40 Under 40, Class of 2015

Angel Lara

Company

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida

Job Title

Greenhouse Manager

Accomplishments

Developed a comprehensive integrated pest management program that reduced pests and diseases while promoting beneficial organisms and improved plant and people health. Along with an “intrepid team” of horticulturists, was able to coax the Gardens’ Amorphophallus titanum to bloom multiple times, even having two blooming at the same time.

Extracurricular

Changed His Tune: Prior to earning a degree in agriculture, Angel was a music major focusing on classical piano.

Fun Facts

Not Your Typical Boat Ride: Born in Havana, Cuba, when he was 5 years old, Angel’s father booked a one-way ticket for his family on the Mariel Boatlift to Miami to escape Communist Cuba.