Stephenson County She-roes
Women supporting and uplifting women! March celebrates Women’s History Month. While we can all promote the work of global leaders who have advanced the role of women, here in Stephenson County, we can do better! There are so many SHE-ROES RIGHT NOW who are making our community a better place and innovating the way we do business and contribute to a better future.
We asked women who live and work in Stephenson County to nominate their she-ro to recognize and promote the positive support and activity advancing women, business and our community.
Kelly Diamond
Kelly Diamond
Kelly Diamond, Chief Operating Officer of Berner Food & Beverage, is a great example of a Stephenson County She-Ro.
Kelly is a transformational leader who exemplifies strength, integrity, and vision. As the Chief Operations Officer of Berner, she leads with both operational excellence and genuine care for people, ensuring the company remains a world-class manufacturer while fostering a culture built on safety, quality, respect, and inclusion. Her leadership directly impacts hundreds of employees and their families in Stephenson County.
Kelly is deeply committed to empowering women in the workplace. She mentors emerging leaders, encourages professional growth, and creates opportunities for women to advance in operations and executive leadership—areas where strong female representation truly matters. She leads by example, proving that compassion and high performance go hand in hand.
Beyond business results, Kelly’s influence is felt in the confidence she builds in others and the standards she sets for collaboration, accountability, and innovation. She is not only shaping the future of Berner but also strengthening the economic and professional landscape of Stephenson County.
Kelly Diamond is a true She-Ro — uplifting others, breaking barriers, and making our community stronger every day.
Megan Ebert
Megan Ebert
Megan Ebert is a very innovative and thoughtful leader.
She is an innovator in the truest sense, because she is constantly asking, “How can we do this better for the students we work with?” The youth programs she oversees at RAMP are some of the fastest growing in our organization, and that’s not by accident. She and her team have strengthened collaboration with local schools, building authentic relationships that make it easier for students with disabilities to access services, feel supported, and see real possibilities for their futures. Even when the fast pace of change may seem daunting to her, it doesn’t stop her, she helps work towards the change.
What makes Megan especially impactful is her perspective. She began at RAMP as a Youth Education Advocate, grew into a County Manager role, and now serves as Youth Services Director. That journey gives her a well-rounded lens in our leadership conversations. She understands direct service, behind the scenes systems, and our long-term strategy, which is so helpful to not only RAMP but other collaborations she is part of in the community.
She is also an incredible mentor. As her team grows, she intentionally develops others, recently supporting a team member into a management role and openly sharing her knowledge. Advocacy is at the heart of who Megan is. She listens deeply, respects every person’s story, and works tirelessly to ensure voices are heard.
Kara Jimenez
Kara Jimenez
Kara is the owner and CEO of Absolute Fitness, along with her amazing family. She encourages others to be the best version of themselves through health and wellness. She believes if our community is physically healthy, we can be mentally and spiritually healthy, as well. She lives what she believes out loud by pushing herself to be her best. She is welcoming to all and truly gives back to others and her community, transforming lives one day at a time.
As a business owner, Kara has also worked to grow the gym from just a few machines to over 13,000 sq. ft in the Rawleigh Complex. Setting an amazing example for her staff and members, Kara’s effort is instilling in us all to be the best version of ourselves for each other and our community.
Margaret Larson
Margaret Larson
Effective leadership in community‐based educational organizations requires vision, skill, and a commitment to service. Margaret Larson, County Extension Director, serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, exemplifies these traits through her leadership within University of Illinois Extension.
County Director since 2004, Larson oversees all aspects of Extension and 4-H programming across these three counties, empowering staff, volunteers, and community partners to address emerging local issues with research-based solutions.
Larson maintains a strong, mission-driven team. The University of Illinois Extension relies on local staff and educators to deliver unbiased, research-based educational programming addressing agriculture, youth development, nutrition and wellness, natural resources, and energy and environment. Her leadership supports Extension’s statewide efforts to connect residents with timely, research-based information through workshops, digital resources, and local partnerships.
In addition to her operational excellence and commitment to mission-driven work, Margaret Larson also cultivates an organizational culture that values enjoyment and connection. While her responsibilities are substantial, her leadership style reflects an understanding that strong teams thrive not only on structure and strategy but also on positivity, humor, and shared moments of levity. By encouraging an environment where staff feel comfortable, supported, and engaged, she helps ensure that Extension offices are places where people enjoy coming to work each day. This sense of fun enhances team cohesion, strengthens professional relationships, and contributes to the energetic spirit that drives Extension programming throughout northwest Illinois.
Linsey McDanel
Linsey McDanel
Linsey McDanel is a She-Ro for her remarkable work as an educator, mentor, and catalyst for positive change in our community. Linsey has dedicated the majority of her career to education, where she has shaped young minds with compassion, creativity, and a deep belief in their potential. Her commitment to students did not stop at the classroom door, as she identified unmet needs and took action by founding HopeWINS with programs designed to inspire, support, and uplift children and families who needed it most.
True to their mission, HopeWINS has worked tirelessly to equip families with the tools they need to succeed—not only addressing the needs of the children but also supporting and empowering the parents. This holistic support is truly what sets this organization apart. By focusing on the entire family, they are creating a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community.
Janelle Nelson
Janelle Nelson
Janelle provides amazing support to fellow entrepreneurs, providing daily insight into business questions and encouragement. She is consistently dependable and 100 percent a She-Ro!
Janelle’s commitment to Freeport shows up in support of local activities, fundraisers, and for families in need. Her creativity brings life and energy downtown, drawing people together and giving our community new reasons to gather, connect, and grow. With her store, Rootz & Branchez, she has created an all-inclusive holistic and spiritual space where every person is welcomed exactly as they are.
Janelle is a true She-Ro to fellow entreprenuers and for her constant community support.
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