~ Mayor Yemi Mobolade recognized seven young professionals at the 2026 Mayor's Young Leader Awards ceremony at the Pinery at the Hill in Colorado Springs.

The annual awards honor emerging leaders ages 18 to 40 for professional achievements, community involvement and service. This year's ceremony recognized 21 finalists across seven categories, with one winner selected in each.

The winners were Alie Ehrensaft of Inside Out Youth Services for Community Impact; Jonathan Toman of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region for Creative Industry; Max Cupp of Exponential Impact for Economic Impact; and Caleb Ulliman of Colorado Springs School of Technology and Colorado Springs School District 11 for Education.

Other winners were 1st Lt. Gabriela Wodka of the U.S. Space Force for Military Leader; Shauna Jackson of Sweetgrass Advocacy and School District 11 Indian Education Program for Sports, Health and Wellness; and Steven Aljets of D.A.R.T. for Technology and Sustainability.

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"Colorado Springs is better because of these young leaders who are using their gifts, talents and influence to serve others," Mobolade said. He added that the finalists and winners were already creating opportunities for others and making a difference in their communities.

The awards recognize contributions in areas including education, technology, military service, economic development, health and the creative industries. Finalists are selected based on professional accomplishments, community involvement and commitment to improving others' lives, according to the city.

The ceremony was emceed by Matt Meister, founder and chief meteorologist of Peaks2Plains Weather. Presenting sponsors included USAA, Venu Arts and Culture Foundation, First Western Trust, Pikes Peak State College, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Diversus Health and Slalom.

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