Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of young professionals, ages 18 to 40, whose efforts positively impact the Colorado Springs community.
Nominees must live or work in Colorado Springs. City of Colorado Springs employees are not eligible. Nominations must be submitted by Sunday, Aug. 31. Winners will be announced during an award ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the Pinery at the Hill. Ticket sales will be announced once available.
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. Since then, 62 members of the community have received these prestigious awards.
The seven award categories into which a young leader can be nominated are as follows:
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.
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.
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.
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, and 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 and sustainability: An individual who 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.
To nominate a young leader and to view past winners, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/MYLA.