Dr. Candice Matthews

Mrs. Candice Matthews, LCPAA/Ph.D.
CEO/Executive Director for Children of Diversity Foster Adoption Agency Texas Statewide Steering Committee Chair Rainbow Push Coalition Statewide-Harris County Accountability Chair Texas Coalition Of Black Democrats

Dr. Candice Matthews is the CEO/Executive Director for Children of Diversity Foster Adoption Agency in Houston and Beaumont Texas. In this role she design, develop and implement strategic plans for the Children of Diversity Foster Adoption Agency organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. Also she’s responsible for the day-to-day operation of the
organization, including managing committees and staff and developing business plans in collaboration with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Texas Department of Human Health Services, Prairie View A&M University and Lamar University College of Social Work, International Adoptions Organization, and her board of directors for the future of the organization expansion. In addition to helping kids overcome crisis by cultivating resilience within them through providing therapeutic licensed foster homes for children in the foster care system and, she’s also the spearhead for the “Stop Human Trafficking Initiative” in Region IV (Harris County) and V (Jefferson County) areas here in Texas. Moreover, Dr. Matthews
assist with Public Policy Writing for Child Welfare on the state and federal levels.

Currently, Dr. Matthews was chosen by the Rev. Jessie Jackson with Rainbow Push Coalition to lead the entire State of Texas Steering Committee. In this role, Dr. Matthews leads the steering committee with an advisory body that’s part of Rainbow Push Coalition governance. Members include experts, authority figures, and senior stakeholders in a project or organization. As a result, they have a significant stake in how each project is managed. Rainbow Push Coalition Texas Steering Committees generally meet periodically to discuss each of these aspects and help set, or reset, direction. 

 

Moreover, Dr. Matthews is currently the Statewide/Harris County Accountability Chair for the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. In fact, Dr. Matthews created the entire accountability program with evaluation and data tools for every level of government. In this role, she’s responsible for evaluating elected officials, endorsement screenings of incumbents and candidates. In addition, she holds all elected officials accountable, and fights for injustices for people of color. 

 

A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Matthews earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Masters of Arts in Christian Education, and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Development from Macedonia Bible College. Also, Dr. Matthews received an honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from Esteem Bible University, and the Chairwoman of the Board of Regent for Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University. Currently Dr. Matthews is in the process to obtain her MBA from Texas A&M University Mays College of Business.

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Dr. Matthews has served on several boards, organizations and commissions, including the Family Focused Treatment Association, Acres Home Chamber of Commerce, National Honor Society, AVID Program, Order of the Eastern Star Masonic Organization, Order of the Golden Circle, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She is active in community service and has received numerous awards and honors.