~ The Mayor's Office of Colorado Springs has announced the finalists for the highly anticipated annual Mayor's Young Leader Awards. This program recognizes and celebrates the exceptional achievements of young professionals, aged 18 to 40, who are making a positive impact in their community through their professional and volunteer work.

Out of a total of 77 nominees, 21 outstanding individuals have emerged as finalists across seven different categories. The winners will be revealed during an award ceremony on Wednesday, November 5th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill located at 775 W. Bijou St.

The finalists represent a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. In the Community Impact category, Monique Lewis from Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, Sandra Haley from The Salvation Army Family Hope Center, and Skyler Nelson from Bailey Military Support/Bailey Military Family Support Group have been recognized for their outstanding work.

In the Creative Industry category, Michelle Winchell from Downtown Colorado Springs Partnership, Jacob Pope from Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, and Chantal Lucas from Amaris Group/Chef Lucas Catering have been selected as finalists.

More on Colorado Desk

• NFL Midseason 2025: Who's for Real and Who's Faking It?
• Colorado State Land Board Acquires Lake Fork Ranch to Expand Trust's Revenue and Conservation Opportunities
• Colorado: Winter Park Express Continues Its Success for Winter 2025-26; Kicks Off on December 19
• Silver Ball, Golden Heart: Dallas-Area Pinball Wizards Flip for Charity at Side Quest Arcade
• Sweet Beginnings: Sugar Queen Dessert Shop Opens in the Colony Ridge Community

Trevor Terrill from EarthX, Juelz Ramierez from StompinGroundz 719 Coffee Shop, and Hannah Wheeler from FirstBank of Colorado Springs are among the finalists in the Economic Impact category.

In Education Impact, Emma Luu from The Luu Group/Pine Creek High School, Jackie Lujan from The Lighthouse Early Care and Education, and Jessica Wise from Colorado Springs School District 11 have been recognized for their outstanding contributions.

The Military Leaders category includes Kyle Dougherty - Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force (USAF), Matthew Johnson - Captain in the United States Air Force (USAF) stationed at Peterson Space Force Base, and Matthew J Neagu - Major in the United States Army (USAR).

Nicole Weis from Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Paige Whitney from University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), and Nicole Eckles from Safe Passage Children's Advocacy Center have been selected as finalists in the Sports, Health & Wellness category.

The Technology & Sustainability category includes Jalyn Wagner from CommonSpirit, Spencer McKee - Director of OutThere Colorado and Board President of UpaDowna, and Kevin Cardenas from the United States Air Force (USAF).

The award ceremony will be hosted by Fox21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister. Tickets for the event can be obtained through the Mayor's Young Leader Awards website at ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA. The website also provides information on past recipients and a description of each award category.

---

Show All News | Report Violation