Mayor Yemi Honors Dr. Wendy Birhanzel with Spirit of Colorado Springs Award

 

 

 

 

Mayor Yemi Mobolade presented Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel with the Mayor’s Spirit of Colorado Springs Inspiration Award Thursday, recognizing her enduring leadership in public education and commitment to students and families in Colorado Springs.

The surprise presentation took place during the Harrison School District 2 Board of Education meeting on Thursday.

“Wendy’s leadership has always started with a simple but powerful question: ‘What did the students say?’” said Mayor Mobolade. “That approach says so much about who she is as a leader. She puts students at the center, opens doors to opportunity and understands that serving young people means supporting the whole child and the whole family. Colorado Springs is better because of her service.”

Dr. Birhanzel has dedicated more than two decades to public education, including many years serving Harrison School District 2. Under her leadership, Harrison students have gained greater access to opportunities including college and technology programs, athletics and activities, tutoring, and before- and after-school care. She has also worked with community partners to help address needs facing students and families beyond the classroom.

Her leadership has earned state and national recognition. Birhanzel was named Colorado’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year and received the American Association of School Administrators’ 2025 Women in School Leadership Award in the Superintendent category.

Thursday’s recognition also marked a connection between Birhanzel and Mobolade that stretches back more than a decade. Both were members of the inaugural class of Mayor’s Young Leader Award recipients in 2015.

“Sometimes an award is more than a moment of recognition. It is encouragement to keep serving, keep leading and keep investing in your community,” Mobolade said. “Wendy has demonstrated that spirit again and again through her courage, empathy and humility, and through the extraordinary impact she continues to make on young people and families.”

“Dr. Birhanzel leads with a deep belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard and given every opportunity to succeed,” said Michelle Wills-Hill, president of the Harrison School District 2 Board of Education. “She has built strong relationships across our schools and our community, always looking for ways to remove barriers and create opportunities for students and families. We are incredibly fortunate to have her leading D2, and it is wonderful to see her recognized for the difference she has made in our district and across Colorado Springs.”

 

The Mayor’s Spirit of the Springs awards recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of Colorado Springs through leadership and service to the community.