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 Misson
Our Vision
One day every individual will be empowered to overcome their circumstances and achieve their greatest potential.
Candice Gordon
Founder’s Note
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
Monalisa G. Bryant, MA, LPC-S
Hello, I’m Monalisa, and I’m here to be your compassionate guide on the journey of self-discovery within our community. With diverse experiences, including community initiatives and collaborations with the criminal justice system, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, and autism.
I firmly believe in the incredible strength within each person to navigate life’s complexities. In this shared journey, I see myself as a facilitator, acknowledging that you hold the keys to your own life. My approach is centered on fostering self-awareness, with a focus on enhancing your confidence, independence, and overall well-being. Within our community, I actively collaborate with parents and educators to create nurturing environments for children and students. My client-centered services draw from various counseling approaches tailored to your unique needs, promoting a holistic and personalized approach to well-being. I am not just a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor; I am also a community member, a supporter, and a guide committed to fostering a sense of connection and empowerment for everyone I encounter. I invite you to join me on the journey of self-discovery and community well-being.
Warmly,
Monalisa
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.
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
