Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade recognized seven young professionals as winners of the annual Mayor’s Young Leader Awards during a ceremony held on November 6, 2025. The event, established in 2015, honors individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and positively impacted the local community.
“I am deeply proud and inspired by the excellence and heart displayed by this year’s winners and finalists,” said Mayor Yemi. “They represent the next generation of community-builders and changemakers whose leadership is already shaping Colorado Springs. Their work reminds us that leadership begins with presence, compassion, and courage. These winners are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leading us today. Together, they are helping build a city where leadership looks like service, where impact looks like inclusion, and where every voice has room to rise.”
The ceremony featured 21 finalists across seven categories. The following individuals were selected as this year’s award recipients:
– Major Matthew Johnson (United States Army) received the Military Leaders Award.
– Major Kevin Cardenas (United States Air Force) was honored for Technology and Sustainability.
– Nicole Weis (Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS) won in Sports, Health and Wellness.
– Jessica Wise (Colorado Springs School District 11) received recognition for Education.
– Trevor Terrill (EarthX) was awarded for Economic Impact.
– Michelle Winchell (Downtown Partnership) earned recognition in Creative Industry.
– Monique Lewis (Care and Share Food Bank) was acknowledged for Community Impact.
Further details about the Mayor’s Young Leader Awards, including previous recipients and information about this year’s program, can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.
