Mayor Yemi honors seven emerging leaders at annual Mayor’s Young Leader Awards ceremony

During tonight's annual Mayor's Young Leader Awards, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade recognized 21 finalists, including seven winners, for making extraordinary efforts in their field while having a positive impact in the Colorado Springs community.

"I am deeply proud and inspired by the excellence and heart displayed by this year's winners and finalists," said Mayor Yemi. "They represent the next generation of community-builders and changemakers whose leadership is already shaping Colorado Springs. Their work reminds us that leadership begins with presence, compassion, and courage. These winners are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leading us today. Together, they are helping build a city where leadership looks like service, where impact looks like inclusion, and where every voice has room to rise."

The award ceremony was launched in 2015 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young professionals age 40 and under. The 2025 winners were selected from 21 finalists in seven categories.

The 2025 winners are as follows:

• Military Leaders Award: Major Matthew Johnson | United States Army
• Technology and Sustainability: Major Kevin Cardenas | United States Air Force
• Sports, Health and Wellness: Nicole Weis | Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS
• Education: Jessica Wise | Colorado Springs School District 11
• Economic Impact: Trevor Terrill | EarthX
• Creative Industry: Michelle Winchell | Downtown Partnership
• Community Impact: Monique Lewis, Care and Share Food Bank

More information about the Mayor's Young Leader Awards, including a list of past award recipients and the 2025 awards program, is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.