Each year, Good News proudly honors Women of Distinction—remarkable leaders whose faith inspires their tireless work in support of local charities and nonprofits. Through service, leadership and a heart for others, these six women are making a lasting impact on their communities. In many ways, these women exemplify the traits of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. “Many women do noble things, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Here are their thoughts on God’s calling along with a few words of advice.
Anita Fain Taylor
Director of Economic Development and Housing, City of Miramar
Anita Fain Taylor is a seasoned public servant whose faith, leadership, and heart for community service define her. As Director of the Economic Development and Housing Department for the City of Miramar, she leads initiatives that drive small business growth, attract corporate investment, support workforce development and expand affordable housing. Her government career spans decades and includes senior leadership roles in Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, Lauderdale Lakes, and Miramar, where she also served as Interim City Manager.
Outside of government, Anita has made a significant impact in the nonprofit world, formerly serving as Director of Planned Giving for the National Christian Foundation of South Florida.
There, she helped facilitate high-impact charitable contributions, working closely with donors, attorneys and accountants to support philanthropic giving through donor-advised funds. Her experience at NCF deepened her belief in the power of generosity to change lives and communities.
A proud graduate of Lifework Leadership, she continues to lead with purpose through her involvement with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she is a past president, serves in national leadership roles with both the Social Action Committee and the Zeta National Educational Foundation and was recently inducted into the State of Florida Hall of Fame for her dedication to the principles of the sorority.
Now in her sixth year with the City of Miramar, Anita leads a department that supports small business growth, corporate recruitment, workforce development, international partnerships, and affordable housing. One of her proudest accomplishments came in 2024 when her department received three “Partner of the Year” awards, recognizing their strategic collaborations and impact. This year, they received the National League of Cities 2025 City Cultural Diversity Award for the Miramar Business Academy, a training program designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses launch or scale their businesses.
Anita has a blended family of seven children, fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She and her husband Norman Taylor have been married for 23 years and currently attend New Mount Olive Baptist Church.
What is God’s calling for you?
I love working with women in the faith environment, speaking and writing. When I was at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale, I taught Sunday school class, was a small group leader for our women’s ministry, and facilitated a single parenting class.
What charities do you support?
I’m active on the board of Firewall Centers, a nationally accredited after-school mentoring and tutoring program, and as a past president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, I support their annual fundraisers, including the Zeta National Educational Foundation, the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Cancer Relay for Life, and the March of Dimes.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
What have been your most challenging and rewarding times?
One of the hardest times in Anita’s life was when she was let go from her position as City Manager of Lauderdale Lakes. “It was during the recession, and cities were struggling financially,” she recalled. “I asked them, ‘Please give me an opportunity to fix this,’ but they said no.” The experience was painful—not just professionally, but personally. But looking back, Anita sees God’s hand in it. “Shortly after I was fired, my dad got ill, and I was able to care for him. I renovated his home, made it more senior-accessible, and spent real time with him. When he died, I had no guilt. That time—just sitting, talking, hearing his stories—was the biggest blessing. In hindsight, that firing was a gift.”
Do you have a hobby?
I have started back reading. I’ve committed to reading a book a month. I’m on my third one. I used to enjoy running before I tore my hamstring. Now I do Pilates and yoga, and I enjoy cooking.
What advice would you offer other women?
Do it afraid! Don’t allow fear to hold you back from achieving your purpose. Do it afraid, and that’s really what true bravery is. Bravery is not the lack of fear; it is doing it anyway.
Candace Rogers
Music Educator, Community Leader, and Philanthropist
Candace Rogers has dedicated her life to faith, family, and community, using her musical gifts and testimony to inspire others. Originally from Tifton, Georgia, she has lived in Fort Lauderdale for 47 years with her husband, Romney, an attorney and former city commissioner. They have two sons—Dwight IV, owner of DR Golf Sales in North Palm Beach, and Cam, a partner at Rogers, Morris & Ziegler LLP, the law firm founded by Romney’s grandfather in 1925—and four grandchildren.
A passionate musician, Candace earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Wesleyan College and has spent 40 years teaching piano and guitar. She has led worship and Bible Study Fellowship music for over 30 years, also serving as a small group leader.
Active in the community, Candace has been a Junior League member, co-chaired the Fort Lauderdale Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast with her husband, and serves through First Baptist Church Fort Lauderdale. She also sits on the boards of StrikeForce Giving, a women’s giving circle that funds local faith-based ministries, and Relate Well Live Well, a marriage and family ministry.
What is God’s calling for you?
God has called me to use my music and personal testimony to encourage others on their faith journey. My purpose is to connect with people and inspire them to trust, obey, and share God’s word.
What charities do you support?
Our first priority is giving to our church. In addition, I dedicate my time and resources to StrikeForce Giving and Relate Well Live Well, where I serve on the board. We also support local ministries such as Habitat for Humanity, Sheridan House, and the Salvation Army, as well as international organizations like Focus on the Family, Palau Ministries, and Samaritan’s Purse.
Do you have a family mission statement?
From the time our boys were young, our guiding principle has been: “Trust and obey—it’s the Rogers way.”
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
What has been your most challenging time?
One of the most profound experiences in my life was my father passing away from COVID-19 in 2020. At 97 years old, he was hospitalized in Georgia under strict COVID restrictions, making it impossible for us to be by his side. After 37 hours on a gurney in the ER, God sent an unexpected blessing—a hospital administrator named Chris. Not only did Chris secure my father a private room, but he personally cared for him, reading Scripture, relaying our messages, and ensuring he was never alone. On my father’s final night, Chris held up an iPad so I could play hymns on the piano for him. Two hours later as I sang Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, my father peacefully entered into eternity. We later found out that Chris had been sleeping on his hospital office sofa so he could be with my dad when he passed. We are forever grateful!
What has been your most rewarding time?
When our youngest son, Cam, was seven, he fell 14 feet from our tree fort and broke his femur. My husband was away at the time, and I felt utterly helpless. But God provided. A neighbor ran over to help, our doctor arrived quickly, and paramedics handled the situation with great care. Despite the pain, Cam’s faith never wavered. As the paramedics placed him in the ambulance, he looked up and said, “Thank you for your help, but now Jesus is in charge.” He spent two months in traction, two months in a body cast and five months out of school, but his unwavering trust in God strengthened my own faith.
Do you have a hobby?
I love spending time with my husband, watching him play golf. I cherish playing games with my grandchildren, and some pastors say I have a “mall ministry” because I love shopping, meeting new people, and inviting them to church!
What advice would you offer other women?
Seek scripture and pray. I think that’s what God would have us do because we need His answers on how we are to live and how to raise our children.
Heather Moraitis
Board Member, Institute for Faith and Culture; Former City Commissioner and Teacher
Heather Moraitis, former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner and current board member of the Institute for Faith and Culture, is a Woman of Distinction known for her servant leadership, civic impact, and unwavering faith. Holding a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida, she has built a multifaceted career across public office, nonprofit leadership, and Christian advocacy.
During her five years on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission—as its only conservative and only woman—she championed initiatives that left a lasting legacy, including working with the commission to bring Inter Miami CF’s soccer stadium to Fort Lauderdale, securing the War Memorial Park partnership with the Florida Panthers, and supporting major upgrades to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Snyder Park’s pickleball facilities.
In March, her husband, former state Rep. George Moraitis, announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 23rd District, with Heather volunteering to help lead his campaign.
Beyond public service, Heather has been a passionate community advocate. As former president of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, she helped establish the FLITE Center, supporting young adults aging out of foster care. She is also a founding member of the StrikeForce Giving circle.
Heather remains a strong voice in the faith community through her work with the Institute for Faith and Culture, equipping believers to engage cultural issues biblically. She teaches government and politics at Westminster Academy, leads women’s Bible studies at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and contributes to faith-based publications.
What is God’s calling for you?
My calling is to be involved in the political process and to make a difference in this world through politics.
What charities do you support?
She supports organizations such as StrikeForce Giving, Hope Women’s Centers, Alliance Defending Freedom, Westminster Academy and Coral Ridge Ministries.
Do you have a family mission statement?
We always said to love God and love others. Then, of course, the catechism: glorify God and enjoy him forever. Those were the themes we said over and over with the kids.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Timothy 6:6).
What has been your most challenging time and your most rewarding time?
My most challenging and rewarding time was the exact same season. It was when my husband and I moved to Naples, Italy, when we were 25, and he was serving as a submarine officer in the Navy. As two young adults, we had to learn how to live in a new land, drive in a new land, and understand the language. It was difficult being separated from family with the birth of our first child. She was 18 months when we finally returned. But it was also the most rewarding time. I remember like it was yesterday because all of our senses were so heightened. We traveled hard. We met great people and were involved in a great church community in Naples. Also, there’s so much biblical history in that area that our faith grew stronger and we were just immersed in places where Paul had been in the Bible. That was our stomping grounds.
Do you have a hobby?
I love paddle boarding and I’m trying pickleball.
What advice has been most helpful to you or would you like to offer to other women?
One of the reasons I’m so passionate about Hope Women’s Centers is my mom got pregnant at 15 and married my dad at 16. It wasn’t easy, but they figured it out and eventually they had my two brothers. Before my mom passed, I asked her what advice do you have for the 15-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant? She said, “God will provide. Have the baby.” She also said it was the best thing that ever happened to her. You don’t know it when you’re 15 and pregnant and scared, but if you give it a chance, give the baby a chance and just trust in God, that same baby could be the baby that takes care of you when you’re breathing your last breath. What you think is a burden today is really your biggest blessing at the end.
Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D.
President and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward
Dr. Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson is a recognized leader in South Florida’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. As President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward, she manages over 570 funds and more than $300 million in assets, advancing the Foundation’s mission to build endowments, foster collaboration, and connect donors with meaningful causes. Under her leadership, nearly $85 million has been granted to strengthen nonprofits and improve lives locally.
A former university executive, Dr. O’Flannery Anderson transitioned to nonprofit leadership to create more direct and scalable impact. She previously led United Way, where she championed a collaborative model that treated nonprofit partners as subject-matter experts. Her initiatives continue to elevate philanthropy in Broward, including research on gender achievement gaps in education, expanded arts support, and nonprofit leadership development.
Active in her community and faith, she is a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church on Las Olas Boulevard. Her values were shaped early by her parents—her father, a Presbyterian minister, and her mother, a special education teacher who created a Sunday school program for children with special needs.
Jennifer and her husband, Peter Anderson, a financial planner, have been married for over 16 years. They are passionate about animal rescue and currently share their home with a yellow lab named Pearl, while waiting to adopt another through Lab Rescue of Florida
What is God’s calling for you?
I think God’s calling to me is to be of service to others, to set a good example and to be thoughtful and compassionate on a daily basis. Some days I do better than others.
What charities do you support?
Peter and I personally have three focus areas: animal rescue – we love dog rescue. We are very committed to the veterans. My husband is incredibly patriotic and involved with different organizations that help veterans, and education. We also have scholarship funds at FAU and NSU, our alma mater.
Do you have a family mission statement?
I would say Peter and I both really try to practice our faith, be of service to others and find something good to do each day.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
What has been your most challenging time?
The loss of my first husband 20 years ago was a challenge. While working at FAU and finishing my Ph.D., my first husband passed away 3 weeks before I defended my dissertation, so I lost my husband to a sudden heart attack right before I was going to graduate. That’s why I have two last names. Dennis O’Flannery was his name and Anderson is Peter’s. They are both important to me. His death was 20 years ago, but it was a turning point because I had to piece myself back together. I always attribute the ability to do that to three things: to my faith, to the love of my family, and to a great network of friends and neighbors who helped put me back together.
What has been your most rewarding time?
I absolutely love my job. I found my place at the Community Foundation where I use a little bit of all my career experience. It’s a privilege to sit with people and work with them to craft a plan for how they want to be know when they’re gone, how they want to be remembered and how that legacy can live on through philanthropy. And that gift can be small, or it can be large, but it will uniquely represent them. I think those very personal and privileged conversations are very special.
What advice has been most helpful to you or would you like to offer to other women?
I subscribe wholeheartedly to the quote from Maya Angelou that people don’t remember what you did or what you said, but they remember how you made them feel.
Laurie Farquhar
President, National Christian Foundation South Florida
Laurie Farquhar is a distinguished leader and advocate for faith-based community development. With an extensive background in the financial industry, including a 23-year career at American Express and formerly managing audit engagements for Deloitte, Laurie has seamlessly transitioned her business skills into nonprofit work. After years in the corporate world, Laurie went through Lifework Leadership, a program that encourages attendees to integrate their faith into their business and everyday lives. She has been a lifework coach ever since. She joined the National Christian Foundation South Florida (NCF) in 2015, where she currently serves as president.
Laurie describes NCF as network of networks with programs designed to walk alongside generous givers to invest in the Kingdom, equip business leaders to use their professional calling for God’s glory, and unite church and nonprofit leaders to serve our community collaboratively and efficiently. Through its donor-advised fund, which she describes as a “charitable checking account,” NCF enables individuals to give cash, stock, business interests, real estate, and other valuable assets to support causes they care about. Nationally NCF is a $10 billion financial services firm, but they are a ministry first and foremost guided by Scripture. And this platform powers NCF South Florida’s mission to redefine generosity and reimagine community.
Since joining NCF South Florida, Laurie has helped expand its footprint, opening new offices in Miami, Naples, and Palm Beach and growing its staff from just six to 21 employees. In addition, Laurie is a founding board member of StrikeForce Giving, a women’s giving circle that has given almost $2 million to Christian nonprofits in South Florida. She attends Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale and is the mother of two adult sons, Matthew and Christopher Rodriguez.
What is God’s calling for you?
To use my talents and skills developed in the business world to help grow His Kingdom.
What charities are you personally involved with?
Locally, I’ve been on the Board of Sheridan House Family Ministries for over 10 years and currently serve on their executive committee. I am also on the StrikeForce Giving board and serve as treasurer along with serving on the Policy and Broward boards of NCF South Florida. On a national basis, I am on the board of Women Doing Well, and I’m on the national board of the National Christian Foundation, serving as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Did you have a family mission statement?
We had more of a family contact to honor each other and be kind.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:9).
What has been your most challenging time?
Having a high-powered executive level job at a fortune 100 company while raising two boys was certainly challenging and now it’s the other end of the spectrum – caring for aging parents. My Dad went to heaven a few years ago and my mom is still going strong at age 95. It’s been a blessing but also quite challenging to care for them well at the end of their lives.
What is the accomplishment that has been the most rewarding?
First and foremost, it’s having two great boys that are thriving. It’s wonderful to be close to your kids when they are grown and really enjoy one another. With NCF, what I’m most proud of is our growth. When I started, we had one office in Fort Lauderdale and now we’re serving people all across the Southeast and Southwest Florida.
Do you have a hobby?
I’m adventurous and love to be outdoors. I like to putter around in the garden, walk, bike, hike, ski and paddle board, kayak – anything outside! I also love to travel and have been to over 60 countries.
What advice has been most helpful to you or would you like to offer to other women?
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff is a book that I used to teach other women in the workplace. It helps you focus on the bigger goals and keeps you from letting all the little things in life drive you crazy. But I’ve found being in community with other godly women is really the key to finding purpose in your life.
Tewannah Aman
Executive Director, Broward Right to Life
Tewannah Aman, executive director of Broward Right to Life, is a passionate advocate for life, truth, and healing. For over two decades, she has promoted a culture of life in South Florida through education, advocacy, and biblically based support programs. Under her leadership, Broward Right to Life launched Guard Your Heart, a Christ-centered Bible study that teaches women and teens to build God-honoring relationships. She also leads a post-abortion group, Forgiven and Set Free, that offers hope and healing to those impacted by abortion.
Aman is also active in student outreach and relationship education. She teaches Relate Well, Live Well classes, equipping teens with faith-based tools for healthy relationships, and serves as a sponsor for First Priority clubs, mentoring middle and high school students to live out their faith.
Her personal story of redemption fuels her calling. After experiencing abortion and the loss of a child late in pregnancy, she committed her life to defending the value of every human life. She publicly testified in support of Florida’s Women’s Right to Know bill, advancing transparency and informed consent laws, and helped mobilize the faith community to defeat Florida’s pro-abortion Amendment 4.
Tewannah and her husband, John Aman, director of communications for Coral Ridge Ministries, have been married 30 years and attend Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.
What is God’s calling for you?
My calling is to help people understand how a relationship with Christ changes everything. I want individuals to experience healing and restoration by having an intimate walk with the Lord.
What charities do you support?
Besides Broward Right to Life, we give to Open Doors, Jews for Jesus, Evangelism Explosion International, and other discipleship ministries. In fact, Evangelism Explosion is where I met John. We also support two children through Compassion International.
Do you have a family mission statement?
We’ve always said Christ is the center of our home. We are determined to seek His Word for guidance and direction in all areas of our life. I guess you could say that is our mission statement.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28).
What has been your most challenging time?
The challenge is overcoming preconceived ideas within ministry leadership and helping them recognize that many women and men in their congregations are silently suffering due to previous abortions and that addressing issues of life with compassion and education is essential for healing and true understanding.
What has been your most rewarding time?
The most rewarding thing is to be introduced to children that are celebrating birthdays because God used my life and what I’ve gone through to minister to their parents. And then the countless testimonies of women who have experienced freedom and healing by going through Guard Your Heart. It warms my soul to hear them share how they are getting closer to the Lord, studying scripture, and are leaving unhealthy or toxic relationships. These are the things that bring me immeasurable joy.
Do you have a hobby?
I love going to the beach and collecting seashells. I love to create and make things. I am a dance enthusiast and am working on cultivating my green thumb in our garden. Flowers make me smile.
What advice has been most helpful to you or would you like to offer to other women?
The key to living a fulfilled life is seeking His face and meditating on His word until it becomes a part of you. It wasn’t until I started taking His Word to heart that God began to heal and redeem the broken places and empty spaces of my past.
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS April 2025 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2025/april/