City of Colorado Springs, CO

10/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2025 11:15

Finalists for 2025 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards announced

The Mayor's Office today announced its finalists for the annual Mayor's Young Leader Awards. The program celebrates the outstanding achievements of young professionals, ages 18 to 40, who are making a positive impact in Colorado Springs through their professional and volunteer activities.

Of the 77 nominees, 21 finalists emerged across seven categories. One winner from each category will be announced during an award ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St.

The finalists are as follows:

Community Impact

  • Monique Lewis - Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado
  • Sandra Haley - The Salvation Army Family Hope Center
  • Skyler Nelson - Bailey Military Support / Bailey Military Family Support Group.

Creative Industry

  • Michelle Winchell - Downtown Colorado Springs Partnership
  • Jacob Pope - Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
  • Chantal Lucas - Amaris Group / Chef Lucas Catering

Economic Impact

  • Trevor Terrill - EarthX
  • Juelz Ramierez - StompinGroundz 719 Coffee Shop
  • Hannah Wheeler - FirstBank of Colorado Springs

Education Impact

  • Emma Luu - The Luu Group / Pine Creek High School
  • Jackie Lujan - The Lighthouse Early Care and Education
  • Jessica Wise - Colorado Springs School District 11

Military Leaders

  • Kyle Dougherty - Master Sergeant, United States Air Force (USAF)
  • Matthew Johnson - Captain, United States Air Force (USAF), Peterson Space Force Base
  • Matthew J Neagu - Major, United States Army (USAR)

Sports, Health & Wellness

  • Nicole Weis - Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
  • Paige Whitney - University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
  • Nicole Eckles - Safe Passage Children's Advocacy Center

Technology & Sustainability

  • Jalyn Wagner - CommonSpirit
  • Spencer McKee - Director, OutThere Colorado / Board President, UpaDowna
  • Kevin Cardenas - United States Air Force (USAF)

The award ceremony will be emceed by Fox21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister. To get a ticket for the event or more information on the Mayor's Young Leader Awards, including a list of past recipients and a description of each award category, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.

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