Tortica Anderson: A Legacy of Care, Community, and Celebration

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

For over two decades, Tortica Anderson has epitomized what it means to be a good neighbor, giving back to the Stafford community and blending her entrepreneurial expertise with a passion for service. Tortica balances her roles as a mother, business owner, and community outreach advocate, profoundly impacting those around her. Her story is a prime example of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to improving the world around her—one event, meal, or simple act of kindness at a time.

Family Matters

Family is at the heart of everything Tortica does. She moved to Stafford in 2002, drawn by the promise of a suburban lifestyle and opportunities for her business, and has since raised her children there.

Her son, Reynaldo, 33, exemplifies the values she instilled in her family. A North Stafford High School graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from Troy University. Now a track and field coach at George Mason University, Reynaldo is dedicated to inspiring young athletes.

“He aspires to motivate and empower young athletes to make a difference in their lives and journeys,” Tortica says, beaming with joy. Reynaldo is recently engaged to his beautiful fiancée, Joeandra, and they have a destination wedding planned next year—of course, Tortica and her team will plan and manage the joyous occasion.

Her daughter, Serenity, 17, shares her mother’s community-minded spirit. A senior at Mountain View High School, Serenity is considering a career in nursing or child development, with plans to attend Germanna Community College. Beyond her academic aspirations, Serenity runs an inspiring nonprofit, Gift of Love, which she started at just seven years old.

“She’s been giving back to displaced and homeless families for a decade, feeding as many as 300 people at Christmas and throughout the year,” Tortica proudly shares.

A Legacy of Giving

The spirit of giving has been a cornerstone of Tortica’s life, originating with her mother, Iretha, whose generosity and compassion profoundly shaped her family. Tortica recalls how her mother always found ways to support those in need, even with limited resources.

“She taught me the importance of serving others and the joy it brings,” Tortica reflects. This legacy has not only guided Tortica’s journey but has also been passed down to Serenity, who carries on the tradition with her nonprofit work. Together, they embody a multigenerational commitment to making a difference in their community, continuing Iretha’s example of kindness and service.

A Life of Service & Giving Back

Tortica’s dedication to giving back is evident in her community initiatives. Whether it’s providing catering for events, helping families transition from shelters to homes, or supporting those in times of grief or celebration, she sees her business as a tool for making a difference.

One of her most impactful collaborations is the "12 Days of Giving" campaign during the holiday season. She assists in planning initiatives like Breakfast with Santa, the Adopt a Family Angel Tree, and Free Pictures with Santa, often partnering with other women-led businesses.

“Through this campaign, we’ve helped families in need by providing food, clothing, toys, gently used coats, and essentials during the holiday season,” she says.

Her belief in collaboration drives her work with local entrepreneurs. “When women and businesses come together for a cause, the results can be extraordinary,” she says.

Building Her Business

Tortica is the founder and Director of Catering & Events of A Family Affair Event Management, LLC, an inclusive event planning, management, and catering firm. Over 23 years, her firm has built a reputation for curating memorable experiences in weddings, corporate, social, and destination events.

Her resilience shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she pivoted her business to support the community. “We served meals to local hospital employees and provided boxed meals to shelters and the homeless community,” she recalls.

A Place to Call Home

Until recently, Tortica was also a full-time caregiver for her mother, Iretha, who lived with her family until her passing in July 2024. “My mother’s presence was a blessing in our home,” she reflects. Balancing caregiving with entrepreneurship was challenging, but her faith and determination guided her.

Living in Stafford for over two decades, Tortica has a deep appreciation for her community. “I love the support here and the beautiful neighborhoods and businesses that make this area special,” she says.

Her favorite local spots include parks and restaurants, where she spends time with loved ones. “I enjoy experiencing what the area has to offer,” she adds.

When not immersed in her business or community projects, Tortica loves to travel. Her work often takes her to remarkable destinations, including Santorini, Greece, where she recently planned an event for a Stafford couple. “Traveling inspires me, and I plan to do more in 2025,” she says.

Looking Ahead

As Tortica moves forward, her goals remain rooted in community, creativity, and connections. Her entrepreneurial journey continues to evolve, blending her passion for event planning with her commitment to service.

Serenity’s upcoming graduation and Reynaldo’s engagement bring her a sense of fulfillment, knowing she has instilled the values of hard work, compassion, and perseverance in her children.

“I’m proud of what I’ve built here, and I’m excited about what’s next,” she says. Whether planning a grand wedding or supporting a neighbor in need, Tortica Anderson’s legacy is one of unwavering care and celebration— and we can’t wait to see what she does in 2025!