Each year GOOD NEWS is honored to recognize inspiring Women of Distinction whose leadership, strong faith and community involvement reflects the traits of a virtuous woman as depicted 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.
Alina Ali
Financial Advisor, One Cornerstone Group
A financial advisor for seven years, Alina Ali offers traditional and values-based investing through One Cornerstone Group, formerly the Foreman Cook Group. She is active in the community, serving on nonprofit boards and as a coach for Lifework Leadership, an 8-month leadership journey equipping professionals to integrate faith and work, and enjoys helping clients align their portfolios with personal, ethical or faith-based preferences. She previously worked in commercial banking with Ginger Martin, former president of American National Bank, now United Community.
She and her husband Ilyas Maqsodi, an IT consultant, have been married for about four years, and she attends Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.
While she’s always had a passion for helping others, growing up in a Muslim family with parents from Afghanistan, where she was born, has shaped who she is today.
“My parents came from a very different Afghanistan. It was modern, educated and more tolerant of people of different faiths. They raised me to be open, to learn about others and to treat people with dignity regardless of beliefs. That gave me a natural curiosity about people and a respect for community,” she said.
Over time, God began working in her life through people who loved her well. Ginger Martin was one of the first to walk alongside her, introducing her to others who prayed for her, encouraged her, and gently pointed her to truth, giving her space to ask questions and experience God personally.
“When I encountered the Lord and gave my life to Christ, everything changed. I now have a daily relationship with Him, a constant sense of His presence and peace. There’s security in knowing He’s with me, which anchors everything I do. My passion for philanthropy and community advocacy flows out of that and a desire to love people well and point them to the hope I’ve experienced.”
What is God’s calling for you?
My calling is to share the truth of the gospel in underserved regions, using my testimony as the foundation, especially in places marked by oppression. As a financial advisor, I’m also called to help people align their financial decisions with their values and their God-given calling.
What charities do you support?
I am serving as a coach this year for Lifework Leadership, which has been very rewarding. The program goes deep, you build lifelong friendships, and you’re given a day to unplug from the stresses of work and tune in to a greater purpose.
As an ambassador for StrikeForce Giving, I get to share the impact of pooling resources to support deserving organizations doing great work in the community. It’s an honor to be part of.
I also support Junior Achievement of South Florida and appreciate how their curriculum equips students with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills for future success. As a member of the Circle of Wise Women, I volunteer each year for the stock market challenge and co-chaired their “Rose Soiree.”
I also support 4KIDS, which helps abused, neglected and at-risk children in foster care.
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?
The most challenging time was when I first came to South Florida. I was separated from my ex-husband and had no family here. But that season became one of the most pivotal moments of my life that God used to draw me closer to Him and pull me in like a magnet. It helped me see how blessed I was by the support of the community and the women around me.
What are you most proud of or do you find most rewarding?
My career is very rewarding. I’m blessed with wonderful clients where it’s not transactional, it’s a true relationship. It’s an honor to step into their lives, to see the good and the bad, and to be trusted with that transparency. It’s something I hold with a lot of honor. It’s deeply rewarding to serve them in every way and help them steward their finances in a way that aligns with their calling.
Do you have a hobby?
I enjoy hiking in the mountains. My husband and I both love fishing, and I also raise a flock of backyard chickens, so I love nature, God’s creation.
What advice would you offer to other women?
My biggest advice is to get out of your comfort zone. If your goals don’t require faith, they may not be big enough. The people who make the greatest impact don’t avoid risk. They take the right risks aligned with their purpose. That’s where growth happens: outside the comfort zone.
Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy
Chairman of the Board, Coral Ridge Ministries
Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy, daughter of the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, serves on the board and capital campaign committee at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, founded by her father in Fort Lauderdale in 1959. An only child, she was adopted at three weeks old and raised in the church, where she still sings in the choir and teaches level one evangelism. She is Chairman of the Board of Coral Ridge Ministries, a media outreach focused on the cultural mandate, addressing the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, and serves on the board of Evangelism Explosion International. An alumna of Westminster Academy, she also serves on its capital campaign committee. In addition to stewarding the ministries founded by her father, she is a frequent guest speaker at Christian events nationwide.
Jennifer had a long career in nursing, and said she wanted to be a nurse since first grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Auburn University and worked for Tenet Healthcare for 22 years in roles ranging from staff development at Delray Medical Center to the spinal cord and head injury unit, eventually becoming acting manager of the unit at Pinecrest Rehab. She later worked in employee health, recruitment and guest relations at West Boca Medical Center, and served as Risk Manager at Northridge Medical Center before leaving to help her mother oversee her father’s ministries after his passing in 2007.
Jennifer and her husband, Chip Cassidy, have been married 25 years. She is stepmom to his two daughters, and they have five grandchildren, along with two pets, a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua.
What is God’s calling for you?
I believe God’s first calling on my life was to be a nurse. Now, I feel called to carry on my parents’ legacy. The common thread is that I’m a caretaker. I cared for my aging parents, and now I’m caring for their legacy, and I love it.
What charities do you support?
Chip and I give to my dad’s ministries, as long as they stay true to their original mission, vision and values. We feel strongly about supporting Christian efforts, so we give to Westminster Academy, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Coral Ridge Ministries, Evangelism Explosion International, and the Center for Christian Statesmanship.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
I don’t have one favorite verse. I remind myself of God’s sovereignty, to rejoice and be glad in all circumstances, trust that everything works for good, and not be anxious about anything. You could say Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who are called according to his purposes.” I trust Him and know the results are His will, in His perfect timing and they’re good.
What has been your most challenging time?
When my dad passed in 2007 and then I had brain surgery in 2009. Those were the two greatest challenges in my life. I was born with the least severe form of spina bifida, a Chiari malformation, but it wasn’t diagnosed until I was about 45, and it had to be treated before causing permanent spinal cord injury. And my dad’s passing really changed the lives of my mother, myself and Chip. Our lives were turned upside down. Not in a negative way, just completely different — new roles, new experiences and new expectations.
What has been your most rewarding time?
I would say it’s what I’m doing now. The ministries my father founded are flourishing, and it’s wonderful to be involved. What is most rewarding is they are on track even with the challenges that come with losing your key man. It doesn’t always work out like that, but God has been so faithful to these ministries.
What advice would you offer other women?
I would say for women to love your husbands and submit to them. Have a strong marriage, which has been invaluable for me. We both love the Lord, we have a happy home, and I find all the rest of life falls into place.
Lisa Hughes
Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale
Lisa Hughes serves alongside her husband, David Hughes, lead pastor at Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale. They have three children: Charlie, who also preaches at both churches; Victoria, who works in the Christian music industry in Nashville; and Zane, a sophomore at Calvary Christian Academy, who leads a Bible study.
Lisa describes her role as simply supporting her husband. “David would probably say I help with vision and leadership, but I’m not running a ministry or serving as co-pastor. I just support him in whatever season we’re in. We have such a great team, so I’m not assigned to one area. Since David is doing so many services, he can’t always connect with people, so I’m out there greeting, talking, and especially welcoming guests. We’re big on inviting people, and when someone comes, I want them to feel seen and cared for. I just jump in where needed. I guess I’m the cruise director.”
Born in Michigan, Lisa spent most of her life in Florida and was raised in a Christian family. Her parents worked in Christian schools, including Miami Christian School and Dade Christian School, where Lisa graduated. After attending Liberty University, she entered the modeling and acting industry in Miami and spent more than a decade as a talent agent with The Green Agency. She describes that season as “the best mission field I’ve ever been on,” where simply living out her faith often opened doors for meaningful conversations and invitations to church.
Lisa and David met at Flamingo Road Church, now Potential Church. “It sounds very cliché, but we were friends for a year and a half before we started dating. We spend a ton of time together, and David always talks about the D’s—dialogue daily, date weekly, depart quarterly. We do all those things.”
They will celebrate 28 years at Church by the Glades in November. “Most people might be winding down, but David is preaching more than ever, and this is probably the most fun season we’ve had. We’re very blessed.”
What is God’s calling for you?
I believe my calling is the same as everyone’s: the Great Commission. Go and make disciples. In my life, I feel especially called to David and whatever he needs from me. Some people say, “My husband is called to ministry,” but I believe every Christian is called. It’s not just David’s calling; it’s a calling on both of us. I’m called to David, to my family, to Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale.
What charities do you support?
We primarily give to Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale. However, one of my best friends is Christine Caine, so we’re big A21 supporters. A21 is the world’s largest anti-sex trafficking campaign. They don’t only rescue girls from sex trafficking, but they prosecute and put the bad guys behind bars. We also support Convoy of Hope.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
Our family verse is Matthew 28: 19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What has been your most challenging time?
Leadership can be challenging, and so can people. We’ve faced some criticism over the years, usually from Christians, sadly, not the world, but I don’t focus on that. My kids have never really given me a difficult season, and my marriage hasn’t either. I’m very fortunate to have strong friendships in ministry, so when things get tough, in leadership or personally, I have a lot of support.
What has been your most rewarding time?
As a mom, I’m in a really sweet season. Zane is in high school, and my other two are young adults, and I feel so fortunate to watch all three of them love the Lord and the Church. My daughter even has a church in Nashville she loves and serves. It’s a very sweet season for me as a mom.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have a hobby?
We like to travel together. We love the Florida Keys and Disney. We like to walk around Epcot, but my hobbies would be working out and reading.
What advice would you offer other women?
Things I think are important are authenticity, honesty and working at being comfortable in who God has called you to be.
Eileen LaMarca
Vice President of The LaMarca Group
A strong community advocate, Eileen LaMarca has been married to Florida Representative Chip LaMarca for more than 30 years. They live in Fort Lauderdale with their French bulldog, Rocco, and attend St. Coleman’s Church. Born to Cuban immigrant parents, she credits her father for modeling her strong work ethic and values, and she has a deep affinity for healthcare and nonprofit fundraising.
As vice president of The LaMarca Group, she consults with nonprofits, often serving on boards and assisting with development. She has been a consultant for the Broward Health Foundation for five years. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the Broward College District Board of Trustees nearly two years ago, and she also serves on the Broward College Foundation board and the Board of Pilot Commissioners, overseeing harbor pilot licensing, training, and discipline in Florida.
In addition, LaMarca also serves on the board of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and previously served more than three years on the board of Henderson Behavioral Health, as well as with the Tower Forum and the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce.
After earning an associate’s degree from Palm Beach State College, she worked as a dental hygienist before moving into the nonprofit world. She served more than four years as executive director of the Crockett Foundation, focusing on after-school programs for middle school students, before joining The LaMarca Group.
With a heart for healthcare, LaMarca said, “What I do right now for Broward Health is really what I love. One of my biggest donors last year gave $5.2 million. We now speak almost every day, and her gift is going to go for cardiac care. We’re going to have the most advanced cardiac care in South Florida, and her willingness to give and believe in us is going to change lives. To me, it’s so rewarding.”
What is God’s calling for you?
My dream job would be to give money away, so philanthropy would be my number one focus. There are so many causes, animals, children, Alzheimer’s, mental health, substance abuse, and never enough time or resources to help everyone. It’s better to give than to receive, so if you can do it, you should.
What charities do you support?
Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center does great work, and that’s something Chip and I support. Habitat for Humanity is a soft spot for him. He’s actually worked on roofs for them. I think it’s a great cause, but I don’t get my nails dirty there. We also support the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Humane Society.
What Bible verse has encouraged you?
I always love John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
What has been a challenging time?
Campaigns have definitely been the hardest part. There’s a lot of negativity and opponents say things that aren’t true about your spouse. You see it in mailers and hear it in phone calls. When he started in 2005, it was nothing like this, but it’s gotten progressively worse and it affects everyone because it’s your loved one: his parents, his mom. my nephew. Campaigns are challenging to everything, even marriages, but winning is rewarding!
What has been a rewarding time?
It can be rewarding to close with a donor, even if it’s not a big gift, just one you’ve worked hard for and they finally believe in the mission. Donors have to believe in what you’re doing to give, and it’s rewarding to know what that funding is going to support as well.
Do you have a hobby?
I like to run on the treadmill. I love to walk outside. I go boating with my husband, my sister, my nephew, our family and I love to travel.
What advice would you offer other women?
My encouragement is, if you want to do something, even if it’s challenging, just do it, and always support other women because we’re trying to fight similar issues and causes. We all have bad days but tomorrow is a better day. Stay positive, look on the bright side. Negativity doesn’t help. And you never know how strong you are until you have to be stronger.
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS May 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/may/