About MYLA
At the heart of our city's progress are individuals who drive change, inspire others, and exemplify leadership. The Mayor's Young Leader Awards are an opportunity to celebrate exceptional young leaders from all walks of life. This annual awards program recognizes professionals ages 40 and under who are stepping up to current challenges and serving as leaders in Colorado Springs through their work and volunteerism.
Fun fact: Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade was nominated and received the first award in the Community and Economic Impact category when the program launched under former Mayor Steve Bach in 2015!
Thank you to everyone who nominated an outstanding leader for this year’s Mayor’s Young Leader Awards. We are thrilled to announce the finalists who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and impact in the Colorado Springs community. We are excited to celebrate these finalists and announce the winner in each category at a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill (775 W. Bijou St.). Tickets to the Mayor's Young Leader Awards Ceremony are $35 and are available on a first come, first served basis at the link below:
2024 Nominees by Category
Community Impact
An individual who has measurably impacted the community through their contribution, involvement, or events. They show a tangible effect on the community outside of their normal business, including volunteer efforts, board service, and clear commitment to sustainable social responsibility.
Nominees
- Samantha Chapman, Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation
- Ryan Darilek, Embrave
- Kimberly Gold, Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce
- Jandi Keum, 3i Law
- Brent Sabati, Ent Credit Union
Creative Industry
An individual who has used creative methods or systems to transform their given industry and demonstrates the power of art and business working together to make a positive impact.
Nominees
- Kevin Davis, Guerrilla Media
- Preston Goff, The Exodus Road
- Chloe Hoeft, Notes Live/VENU
- Patrick Nelson, Harrison School District 2
- Jacob Pope, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
Economic Impact
An individual who has measurably impacted the local economy through their business, community involvement or events. They have had a tangible effect on the economy, including job creation, workforce development, or an innovative business model that promotes social goals.
Nominees
- Matt Buffington, GE Johnson
- Samuel Clark, Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation
- Camille Lavon, Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC
- Sandra Lopez, b:side fund
- Ryan Rosenhahn, IntraNerve Neuroscience
Education
An individual who has used creative and non-traditional approaches to improve education, thereby fostering future generations of innovative thinkers.
Nominees
- Keith Bisaillon, Harrison School District 2
- Hitcel Hernandez, Pikes Peak State College
- Sami Mooney, Colorado Workforce Development Council and Colorado Department of Education
- Kandy Ruiz, Pikes Peak State College
- Matthew Stewart, Academy School District 20
Military Leader
An active-duty individual who has led by example outside their military role to embody the values of integrity and excellence in service into the greater community.
Nominees
- Capt Jon Borah, United States Space Force
- MSG Luis Bustos, United States Army
- A1C Michelle Joann Hubbard, United States Air Force
- MSgt Connor Olney, United States Air Force
- Capt Naureen Singh, United States Air Force
Sports, Health & Wellness
An individual who has made a standout contribution as a health and wellness champion, improving the lives of others, physically, emotionally and mentally. They have had a tangible effect in sport and recreation initiatives to bring community together and make it possible for more people and societal groups to live healthier, happier lives.
Nominees
- Caitlin Burgess, Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership
- Katrina Diaz, Urban Cirque
- James Garofalo, Lokiten Behavioral Health
- Thomas Jeffries, Rocky Mountain Vibes
- Christina Lorete, Colorado College and UpaDowna
Technology & Sustainability
This individual has provided enhancements in technology and sustainability that advance our city’s productivity, improved efficiency, increased performance, or provided innovative results to make our community a better place for future generations.
Nominees
- Rachel Gardner, National Cybersecurity Center
- Luz Gonzalez, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)
- Alondra Hauser, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Nathan Kozel, RainTech
- Rachael Maxwell, Exponential Impact
2023 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards Winners
- Matt Radcliffe, Education
- Matthew Minneman, Technology & Sustainability
- Connie Ryan, Sports, Health & Wellness
- Latisha Quintana, Community Impact
- Sgt. Daryl Griffin, Military Leader
- Ashley Cornelius, Creative Industry
- Brianna Goodwin, Economic Impact
Past Winners
Military Leader
- 2023: Sgt. Daryl Griffin
- 2022: Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Bandy
- 2021: Capt. Ethan Heckmann
- 2020: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Parks
- 2019: Staff Sgt. Barbara Kendricks
Technology & Sustainability
- 2023: Matthew Minneman
- 2022: Rebecca Jewett
- 2021: Natasha Main
- 2020: Rodney Gullatte Jr.
- 2019: Forrest Senti
- 2018: Erin Miller
- 2017: Rebecca Decker
- 2016: Allison Plute
- Oct. 2015: Jennifer Peterson
- Jan. 2015: Conor McCluskey
Sports, Health & Wellness
- 2023: Connie Ryan
- 2022: Aubrey McCoy
- 2021: Dayton Romero
- 2020: Timothy Corner Jr.
- 2019: Brian Moreno
- 2018: Ian Ratz
- 2017: Terrell Brown
- 2016: Megan Leatham
- Oct. 2015: Aron McGuire
- Jan. 2015: Nikki McComsey
Education
- 2023: Matt Radcliffe
- 2022: Sloan Gonzales
- 2021: Corey Williams
- 2020: Dr. Carole Frye
- 2019: Dr. Manya Whitaker
- 2018: Erik Huffman
- 2017: Scott Fuller
- 2016: Brittni Darras
- Oct. 2015: Justin Carpenter
- Jan. 2015: Wendy Birhanzel
Creative Industry
- 2023: Ashley Cornelius
- 2022: Jeresneyka Rose
- 2021: Brother Luck
- 2020: Dave Jackson
- 2019: Cody Burket
- 2018: Aisha Ahmad-Post
- 2017: Drew Johnson
- 2016: Claire Swinford
- Oct. 2015: Mundi Ross
- Jan. 2015: Jorden Smith
Community and Economic Impact
- 2023: Latisha Quintana, Community Impact
- 2023: Brianna Goodwin, Economic Impact
- 2022: Natasha Hutson
- 2021: AJ Frasca IV
- 2020: David Siegel
- 2019: Jake Eichengreen
- 2018: Jeff Finn
- 2017: Doug Martin
- 2016: Todd Baldwin
- Oct. 2015: Nick Ragain
- Jan. 2015: Yemi Mobolade