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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Launched in 2015 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young professionals age 40 and under, a record number of nominations were received during the nomination period (Aug. 11-30).

Of the nominees, 27 finalists have emerged across five categories. The finalists, who all live or work in Colorado Springs, are as follows:

Community and Economic Impact

  • Dani Barger, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
  • Jordan Empey, Stockman Kast Ryan + Company
  • AJ Frasca, Panino’s
  • Latrina Ollie, Solid Rock Community Development Corporation, Quar Notary
  • Jessie Pocock, Inside Out Youth Services
  • Bree Shellito, Ent Credit Union

Creative Industry

  • Brandon Borne, BornesPro Media, My Black Colorado
  • Ashley Cornelius, Denver Health
  • Brother Luck, Four by Brother Luck, Lucky Dumpling
  • Stephen Martin, Explore With Media
  • TerryJosiah Sharpe, Anthem Music Enterprises
  • Megan Whalen, Vladimir Jones

Education

  • Connor Beaudoin, Harrison School District 2
  • Harris Kalofonos, Goodvoice Group, Young Champion Ambassador
  • Cory Notestine, Colorado Springs School District 11
  • Corey Williams, Harrison School District 2
  • Adam Wright, Mountain Song Community School

Sports, Health & Wellness

  • Kristi Durbin, El Paso County Public Health
  • Jess Lyons, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
  • Dayton Romero, Silver Key Senior Services
  • Dr. Sara Saporta-Keating, Children’s Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs
  • Cassandra Walton, Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership

Technology & Sustainability

  • Trevor Becker, Rackspace Technology
  • Sara Koeppel, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Magneti Marketing
  • Natasha Main., Exponential Impact
  • Alan Peak, South Platte Fly Shop
  • Michael Riggs, Perch Security

One winner from each category will be announced during an award ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m. at the 3E’s Comedy Club, 1 S. Nevada Avenue. A special “Military Young Leader Community Impact Award” winner will also be announced.

The ceremony will be emceed by Fox21 Morning News meteorologist Matt Meister. A livestream will be offered on the Mayor’s Facebook page (@MayorOfCOS).

Event sponsors include 3E’s Comedy Club, the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Fox21, Glassical Designs, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, and Vectra Bank. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring the event should email Donna Nelson at donna.nelson@coloradosprings.gov.

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.

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