(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Mayor’s Office announced its finalists for the 2024 Mayor’s Young Leader Awards.
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.
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 at the Pinery at the Hill.
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, Exponential Impact
Alondra Hauser, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Nathan Kozel, RainTech
Rachael Maxwell, Exponential Impact
The award ceremony will be emceed by FOX21’s own 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.
