2020 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Young Professionals are vital to the growth and progress of our Kearney community. They are leaders in their field and they inspire their peers to excel. Where there is a vibrant and engaged young professional population, there will be bright leaders for tomorrow.

The Young Professionals of the Year award strives to recognize the accomplishments of young professionals in the Kearney Area by highlighting their advancement in their field, as well as their significant contributions to attract, retain, and engage young professionals in the Kearney community.

• Must be between the ages of 21 - 40

• Nominees are not required to be a member of the Kearney Young Professionals Network

• Nominees must have at least 1 or more years of professional experience in current career

• Nominees must be advancing their field and the quality of life in Kearney in a positive and productive way

• Strong Nominees are involved in community, civic, charitable activities in the community and/or involved in their church

• Nominees shall clearly serve as a role model for others personally and professionally

• Nominees demonstrate strong leadership skills

Megan Axmann was born and raised near Kearney in small town Pleasanton and has dedicated her career to giving back to the community that raised her. In 2012, Megan worked with Stacy Schulte and Chelsie Bebensee to open their floral shop, Divas Floral Shop & Boutique which has expanded their philanthropic efforts in the area.

On behalf of Diva's Floral, Megan works to give back to many community organizations including the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, The S.A.F.E. Center, McKenna's Rae of Hope, Kearney Public Schools, Kearney Catholic High School, CHI Health Good Samaritan, Kearney Regional Medical Center, and more. One of Diva's biggest events, Petal It Forward, is a huge success each year. Megan, Stacy, and Chelsie choose a local charity to receive the profits from the event which is always a huge blessing. Megan loves to donate a lot of her time to the Amherst Red Shoe Event and Purses for a Purpose Auction.

As far as community involvement, Megan speaks often to different schools about being a florist, a business owner, and a leader in the community. The University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney High School, and Head Start of Kearney all provide an annual opportunity to Megan for her to share her love of business. Megan takes true pride in her work, ensuring that she provides the best floral arrangements. She holds letters from the Nebraska Floral Society Academy, which is a high honor in the floral industry. Divas Floral has also received Best of Kearney each year since 2014!

Megan has not been protected from her share of adversity. During the COVID-19 pandemic shut downs, Diva's Floral received many cancellations from prom to weddings but Megan and the rest of the Diva's team worked hard to bless others in the community to continue keeping spirits high. Diva's had to be creative with how they kept their business open and really put their heads together to continue their mission of success. Beyond flowers, Megan has a passion for the community where she resides. Growing up, the ag community was very important to Megan. She continues to support youth in ag and offers her time to Pleasanton schools by volunteering to help with ag activities as well as sports and other opportunities including their after-prom events. She also works hard to bring awareness to suicide prevention including walking in and sponsoring the Out of the Dark walk. Megan is active in her church and loves spending quality time with her husband and children.

Congratulations Megan Axmann, the 2020 Young Professional of the Year recipient!

Past Award Winners: 2019 Nathan Husak | 2018 Allie Marchand | 2017 JoAnn Andersen | 2016 Cody Krull | 2015 Jennifer | 2014 Penny Parker | 2013 Jonathan Nikkila | 2012 Jon Watts | 2011 Jeffrey Kreycik | 2010 Ryan Ideus | 2009 Brandon Benitz | 2008 Andrea McClintic