The Mayor's Office today announced its finalists for the annual Mayor’s Young Leader Awards. 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.
Of the nominees, 35 finalists have emerged across seven categories. One winner from each category will be announced during an award ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St.
The finalists are as follows:
Community Impact
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Keith Bisaillon, Harrison School District 2
- Hitcel Hernandez, Pikes Peak State College
- Sami Mooney, Colorado Department of Education
- Kandy Ruiz, Pikes Peak State College
- Matthew Stewart, Academy School District 20
Military Leaders
- 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
- 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
- Rachel Gardner, National Cybersecurity Center
- Luz Gonzalez, Colorado Startups
- Alondra Hauser, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Nathan Kozel, RainTech
- Rachael Maxwell, Exponential Impact
The award ceremony will be emceed by Fox21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister. Limited tickets will be available to the public for purchase. Follow @MayorofCOS on Facebook to be notified when tickets go on sale.
For more information on the Mayor’s Young Leader Awards, including a list of past recipients and a description of each award category, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.