She went to Mexico to learn Spanish to improve her ability to engage with the Pueblo Indians, and in part because of a relationship with Ola Apenes.
[5][4] She also worked there as a freelance journalist covering the Dewey Commission in 1937 and interviewing Diego Rivera.
While there, Gillmor became interested in the Aztecs and began research into Nezahualcoyotl which she later published as his biography.
In order to preserve the materials Gillmor set up the University of Arizona Folklore Archive which focused on the English and Spanish traditions.
Gillmor was involved in the American Folklore Society and served as vice president in 1958 and 1964.