Maricela Torres Honored as Hispanic Heritage Month Community Leader

We are proud to celebrate our valuable team member, Maricela Torres, who was recently honored as a Hispanic Heritage Month Community Leader by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in Florida.

On September 9, Maricela was one of eight local leaders celebrated for making a significant difference in our community. Selected in the non-profit category, her recognition highlights the impactful work she leads at the Esperanza Community Center—an organization she co-founded in 2019 to serve individuals and families in the North End of West Palm Beach.

“It's an honor to be nominated as a Community Leader,” Maricela said. “It’s an honor that other individuals think the work that we do in the community is worth mentioning. That means a lot for me personally, because it’s been a long journey with the Esperanza Community Center. It is an honor to be recognized as a place where the community feels safe and people can go to when they need help.”

The community center, which Maricela co-founded in 2019 offers assistance in education, particularly English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, adult literacy, technology, health initiatives, workshops on various topics, summer camps for kids, legal outreach and food assistance, with a monthly food pantry serving more than 80 registered families.

Maricela was recognized at the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners meeting led by Commissioner Joel Flores, District 3. As part of the celebration, a public bus was wrapped with the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month theme and photos of the finalists, including Maricela. Our Legal team attended the ceremony to support Maricela.

Maricela’s spirit of service embodies Florida Crystals’ values. “I try to be an ambassador to do good and help others wherever I can,” Maricela said. “It is something that I like to do and a core value of mine, and it aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to help and assist others wherever we can.”