b p W b G h Af m s D g I W n e o b PI dl A e a t l B p W t W t W wi l b w y g s COVER STORY 24 may 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition This year, Good News proudly honors six 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, they 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 Zeta Phi Beta. 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 greatgrandchildren. 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, cochaired 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. 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 Good News Applauds Women of Distinction 2025 Shelly Pond Good News Editor Photo Credit: Justus Martin Left to right: Anita Fain Taylor, Norman Taylor (husband), Spencer Burton (grandson), Maxwell Burton (grandson), Omar Burton (son-in-law), and Jennifer Burton (daughter) Left to right: Kelly Rogers, Cam Rogers, Romney Rogers, Candace Rogers holding Wynn Rogers, Dwight Rogers, Blaire Rogers, Sutton Rogers, Quint Rogers, and (in front) Griffin Rogers
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