Kane County Board Proclaims March as National Women’s History Month

The Kane County Board has proclaimed March 2026 as National Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women to the county’s economy, government and community life.

The proclamation, approved during the County Board’s March meeting, acknowledges the many ways women contribute to the county every day as educators, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, public servants, members of the military, caregivers and volunteers.

During the meeting, the impact of women-owned businesses across Illinois was also highlighted. According to state data, more than 500,000 small businesses in Illinois are owned by women.

One of those entrepreneurs, Aurora business owner Jana Farmer, was recognized during the presentation. Farmer founded Ms. Jana’s Candy in 2017 at the age of 67, beginning with peanut brittle inspired by her mother’s love of the treat. By 2020, the business expanded into a storefront at 1649 Montgomery Road in Aurora.        

Since then, the shop has received numerous awards and was recognized as an official Illinois Made business, becoming a destination for candy lovers throughout the state.

Farmer was unable to attend the County Board meeting, and the proclamation was accepted on her behalf by Theodia Gillispie of the Quad County Urban League.

“Thank you for celebrating women entrepreneurs and for honoring a story that began with love, determination and a daughter’s tribute to her mom,” Farmer said in a prepared statement read by Gillispie.

Gillispie also noted that the Quad County Urban League hosts a Women Empowerment Summit each March to recognize women who are making an impact in their communities as business owners, mentors and leaders.

According to recent U.S. Census estimates,  women make up roughly half of Kane County’s population of about 520,000 residents,

The proclamation approved by the Kane County Board highlighted the growing role of women in county government with 10 women currently serving on the 24-member County Board.

Women currently hold six countywide elected offices, including county board chairman, coroner, state’s attorney, circuit clerk, auditor and recorder.

For more information about Kane County government services, departments, offices and programs, visit the county’s website.