Empowering People to Achieve Their Greatest Potential
Together, We Thrive
"Founded by Candice Gordon, THE ENCORE is driven by compassion and the change we envision. We recognize that life is a journey filled with challenges, but also an opportunity for profound transformation.”
Our Unique Approach
Wellness Cafés
Peer-Driven Challenges
Podcast Series
Artivism Campaigns
Our Mission
Our Vision
One day every individual will be empowered to overcome their circumstances and achieve their greatest potential.
Candice Gordon
Founder’s Notes
Hello, I’m Candice Gordon, and my life’s journey has been a symphony of community engagement, education, and a deep appreciation for building future generations ready to take on the world.
With an unwavering love for youth, I embraced a career in education, becoming a theater arts teacher. In the classroom, I witnessed the potential of the arts and the importance of a good teacher to inspire creativity, boost confidence, and instill valuable life skills in young minds. These formative years laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to community improvement through education.
My journey led me to Houston’s District B, where I served as a Special Events Coordinator and Community Liaison. This role became a platform to bridge gaps within the community and cultivate connections that transcended traditional boundaries. I saw the power of bringing people together, and it became clear that community improvement was a calling I couldn’t ignore.
Motivated by this passion, I founded THE ENCORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth in underserved communities. We focus on building essential life skills, fostering healthy decision-making, and providing second chances to young individuals facing unique challenges.
Through THE ENCORE, we harness the transformative power to inspire positive growth within communities. Whether it’s organizing programs, mentoring youth, training or advocating for second chances, every endeavor is driven by the belief that community improvement begins with empowering the individual with a foundation of education, instilling confidence, and nurturing a sense of purpose, creating a ripple effect that uplifts not only the individual but the entire community
Today, as I actively lead THE ENCORE, I continue to champion initiatives that make a real impact. Together, let’s foster community improvement through the lens of education, empowerment, and the arts, creating spaces where creativity and compassion lay the groundwork for a brighter future.
Board Members
Chassidy Deckard
Chassidy C. Deckard is an award-winning law firm executive and senior HR strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing culture, talent development, and organizational excellence within large legal environments. With deep expertise in workforce strategy, leadership development, and employee engagement, she is recognized for building inclusive, high-performing teams and guiding organizations through complex growth and change.
A certified senior HR professional, Chassidy has led initiatives spanning talent acquisition, performance management, training, and culture transformation. In 2022, she created a first-of-its-kind annual summer internship program in partnership with local law firms to introduce diverse undergraduate students to the business of law, expanding access and strengthening early-career pathways in the legal industry.
Her leadership has contributed to industry recognition including Best Place to Work distinctions and significant office growth driven by strategic recruitment and development programs. In 2025, Chassidy was honored as a Houston Business Journal Diversity Champion Award Winner for her commitment to fostering equity and belonging in the workplace.
Deeply committed to community impact, she serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and an Advisory Board Member for Momentum Education, supporting programs that empower youth, expand opportunities, and cultivate future leaders.
Chassidy received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas. She is a proud Texas Exes Life Member. She then obtained her master’s degree from Texas State University. She also holds advanced certificates in HR, leadership, and DEI from institutions including Cornell University, Harvard Business School, and Rice University.
Ashley Barard
Ashley Barard is a professional with over a decade of experience in the energy and technology sectors, currently holding the position of Product Manager at Google. In this role, she is responsible for spearheading the development of strategic and customer-centric products, while providing invaluable assistance to enterprise customers in addressing complex infrastructure challenges.
Ashley earned her MBA from Dartmouth College in 2022. Prior to embarking on her MBA journey, she was a Petroleum Engineer, holding various positions in oil and gas enterprises. During this time, she specialized in research and development, innovation initiatives, and effectively addressing customer challenges.
Ashley’s educational background also includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston, where she was recognized as a Cullen scholar.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley is actively engaged in promoting equitable access to capital for women and other underrepresented groups through her involvement on two boards. She is an avid reader, enjoys competitive board games, and embraces new experiences with enthusiasm.
Ashley is deeply passionate about advocating for equal access to essential resources and opportunities, particularly in the realms of education, healthcare, and capital, for historically marginalized communities.
Randy Leatch.
Randy C. Leatch is a man of God with a unique combination of spiritual gifts who aspires to make a profound impact on the community and youth in which he serves. Highly sought after, he speaks in workshops, conferences, retreats all over this city.
Growing up in South Dallas allowed Randy to see the harsh realities of society. He experienced much throughout his childhood and as a young adult. However through it all, the hand of the Lord prevailed and brought him to faith, to church and to a committed relationship with God.
Randy has been a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church for over 30 years and presently serves as the CFO. He is responsible for making sure that the vision of our church is carried out in every area, both in administration and in ministry. He oversees a budget that generates over 2 million per calendar year.
Randy has a relentless love and passion for people. It is this love that he is also the Founder and CEO of RCL & Associates, a retirement and financial planning firm in Houston, which manages over 10 million in retirement accounts. He is married to Patrice Leatch, CRNA, and together, they have a 14year old son, Randy Leatch II and an 11 year old daughter Rachel. He is also a proud father to Candice, Crystal and Ryan.
Jacqueline Terrell
Jacqueline Terrell is the owner of J. Terrell Consulting Firm, LLC, a nonprofit management strategy firm dedicated to strengthening organizations. With a belief that “Strong Organizations Create Strong Communities,” Jacqueline has spent her career empowering nonprofit leaders with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to drive meaningful impact.
She mentors nonprofit leaders, fosters collaboration among organizations, and advocates for initiatives that uplift underserved communities. Her mission is to touch 100 organizations each year, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to thrive.
Jacqueline is also the Community Relations Liaison for the Harris County Attorney’s Office.
She is Community Service Board Chair with Women Professionals in Government and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Our Core Values
Healthy Living
Education and Awareness
We recognize the power of education and awareness in driving change. Our organization dedicated to promoting education and raising awareness on key issues that impact individuals, families, and communities.
Empowerment
Community Building
Social Accountability
Help People Now
Charity For the People You Care About
Special Acknowledgements
The Encore extends our deepest gratitude to the individuals and organizations whose generosity, partnership, and unwavering support continue to uplift our mission. Your belief in our work and commitment to community impact make a lasting difference in the lives of the young adults we serve.
We would like to offer special thanks to:
- Jonathan Fombonne and the Harris County Attorney’s Office
- 713 Custom Designs
- Rev. Dr. Pastor Cosby and the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
- Jarvis Johnson, Former State Representative
- Carolyn Shabazz, Council Member
Thank you for your continued love, encouragement, and support of The Encore. Together, we are creating pathways to stability, hope, and opportunity.