The Mayor’s Office has named the finalists for the 2025 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards, a program that honors young professionals in Colorado Springs between the ages of 18 and 40 for their contributions through work and volunteer service.
This year, 77 individuals were nominated, and 21 finalists were selected across seven categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill, located at 775 W. Bijou St.
The finalists are:
Community Impact: Monique Lewis (Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado), Sandra Haley (The Salvation Army Family Hope Center), and 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), and Chantal Lucas (Amaris Group / Chef Lucas Catering).
Economic Impact: Trevor Terrill (EarthX), Juelz Ramierez (StompinGroundz 719 Coffee Shop), and 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), and Jessica Wise (Colorado Springs School District 11).
Military Leaders: Kyle Dougherty (Master Sergeant, United States Air Force), Matthew Johnson (Captain, United States Air Force, Peterson Space Force Base), and Matthew J Neagu (Major, United States Army Reserve).
Sports, Health & Wellness: Nicole Weis (Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS), Paige Whitney (University of Colorado Colorado Springs), and Nicole Eckles (Safe Passage Children’s Advocacy Center).
Technology & Sustainability: Jalyn Wagner (CommonSpirit), Spencer McKee (Director, OutThere Colorado / Board President, UpaDowna), and Kevin Cardenas (United States Air Force).
The event will be hosted by Fox21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister. According to the Mayor’s Office, “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.”
Tickets and further information about the Mayor’s Young Leader Awards, including a list of past recipients and details on each category, can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.
