Florida Crystals’ Principal Research Scientist Shiva Ahrens Named Young Professional of the Year by Palm Beach North Chamber

Florida Crystals congratulates Shiva Ahrens who was named Young Professional of the Year by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s annual Leadership Awards Dinner on May 26.

To be selected as Young Professional of the Year, the Chamber said Shiva demonstrated leadership that benefits the Palm Beach North community by creating or contributing significantly to the success of one or more local organizations, including local educational nonprofit Take Stock in Children; inspired communitywide support through influential positions served in their profession and community, including her successful turn as chair of this year’s Bridge the Gap 5K, a run that raised more than $100,000 for Take Stock; and reflected a high level of character, integrity and personal and professional values. 

“Standing as an award winner in a place full of amazing people whose hearts truly beat for our community was a dream come true,” Shiva said. “I am so grateful to Florida Crystals for supporting my involvement in local charities, the chamber and our business community. I have been given opportunities to be where I am now, so it is my responsibility to give back.”

Shiva was nominated for the award by Caroline Villanueva.

In addition to Shiva’s win, Florida Crystals also sponsored the chamber’s Environmental Stewardship Award, which was presented to the Friends of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.

“This category is a pillar for us since we sustainably farm about 190,000 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area here in Palm Beach County,” Caroline said in presenting the award. “Crop rotation, precision agriculture and building habitats where barn owls thrive to eliminate the use of rodenticide are among the practices we incorporate daily to be good stewards of our farmland.”