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.
Do you know someone making a positive impact in Colorado Springs? Nominate them for one of these seven prestigious awards!
Nominations open Aug. 1 and close on Aug. 30. Winners will be announced during an award ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill. Ticket sales will be announced once available.
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!
Categories
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.
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.
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.
Education
An individual who has used creative and non-traditional approaches to improve education, thereby fostering future generations of innovative thinkers.
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.
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.
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.
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