Meet Angel Rodriguez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angel Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Angel, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I am fortunate enough to have a really large family. I can look around and see that my work ethic is deeply rooted in the example they have set. Growing up, I witnessed the adults around me approach their work with unwavering responsibility and pride, no matter the challenges. My grandmother served as a pillar of the community, volunteering both at my school and her local senior club. My grandfather worked tirelessly to support our family, while my aunt and uncles put in countless hours to provide for themselves and their loved ones. I’m not going to lie – they also spoiled me too! My mother, who worked overnight shifts, made sure I had what I needed and could participate in after-school and weekend activities that enriched my life. My father, an entrepreneur himself, pursued his craft with diligence. I saw how hard everyone around me worked and it showed me that work ethic wasn’t just about how much you worked but it was about the quality and focus that you bring to every task. True work ethic means having integrity in what I do, maintaining high standards and having a purpose.
This determination to improve our circumstances instilled in me a drive not only to succeed personally but to create meaningful change and uplift others along the way. That message came through loud and clear from the women in my family. In my entrepreneurial journey, these family values have been my foundation, guiding me through every challenge. Building rfc21 was a leap into the unknown, but my family’s legacy of hard work and perseverance fueled me to push forward, knowing that true, lasting change requires relentless commitment. This ethic continues to inspire me as I lead our team and serve communities.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of rfc21, a firm dedicated to transforming public child welfare, with a special focus on communities of color. My journey in this field began over 25 years ago in public child welfare, and it has since evolved into becoming an entrepreneur which enables me to drive meaningful, large-scale change. What excites me most about this work is the ability to empower organizations to elevate the support they provide to vulnerable populations. By guiding agencies through strategic transformation, I get to witness the ripple effects of positive change across entire communities.

At rfc21, we work with public and private organizations to build stronger leaders, enhance teams, and optimize services for the communities they serve. Recently, we celebrated our fourth year, marking key milestones like rebranding, expanding our reach on social media and through our newsletter, and working with more than 30 clients with diverse needs. We are excited about what we have achieved thus far and can’t wait to start on our upcoming projects.

Our mission at rfc21 is to drive meaningful change and advance the realm of public child welfare through organizational transformation and innovative solutions. We aim to foster effective leadership, resource optimization, and sustainable change. To achieve this, we provide four key services: curriculum development, leadership coaching, grant management, and expert witness work for law firms litigating child abuse and neglect cases. Each project starts with a consultation to ensure our vision aligns with that of our clients.

With decades of experience in some of the nation’s largest counties, including Los Angeles and San Bernardino, we bring a deep network and expertise in high-profile projects. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished, and when you engage with rfc21, you’ll find we’re personable, resourceful, and truly committed to our clients’ success. We tailor each experience to meet the unique needs of every agency, creating curated packages that go beyond a one-size-fits-all model.

At rfc21, we believe that effective systems are the cornerstone of community well-being, and we’re invested in building a future where organizations serve with empathy, efficacy, and sustainability.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities that have been most critical are resilience, strategic thinking, and empathy.

First, resilience has been crucial. Working in public child welfare can be challenging, and building a business in this field, or any field, requires perseverance through setbacks and the ability to stay motivated by the bigger mission. For those starting out, my advice is to embrace challenges as growth opportunities and seek out mentors who can help you navigate obstacles.

Second, strategic thinking has been essential in my entrepreneurial path. The ability to set clear goals, identify key steps, and adapt as needed has allowed me to lead rfc21 effectively. I recommend cultivating this skill by practicing goal-setting and regularly assessing progress. Surround yourself with people who think strategically and ask questions that expand your perspective. I have been able to really practice this by having a coach that can strategize with me and hold me accountable. It has been a game-changer for me.

Finally, empathy has guided my approach to leadership and service. In public child welfare, understanding the needs and experiences of others is vital for meaningful change. To build empathy, I suggest volunteering your time or working directly with communities, listening deeply, and learning from others’ stories. The insights gained through genuine connections can inform both your personal growth and professional work.

For anyone just beginning their journey, I believe nurturing these qualities is key. Resilience, strategic thinking, and empathy not only help you grow but also prepare you to contribute your best self to the lives of others.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown has played an instrumental role in my personal and professional development. I loved it so much that I read it twice! The book emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and letting go of the need for perfection, which was a transformative mindset shift for me. One of the most critical insights was the concept of ‘wholehearted living,’ which encourages showing up authentically rather than hiding behind perfectionism. This has been incredibly valuable in my work with rfc21, where openness and authenticity are vital to building trust and fostering meaningful change. I have to show up as my whole self in order to be effective in what I do on a daily basis. It is easy to throw myself into work all day, every day. I needed to do a better job of taking care of myself first so that I could show up for my business, for my clients, for my family and my loved ones.

Another powerful takeaway was the idea that courage and compassion are essential to resilience. Brené Brown’s focus on self-compassion has reminded me to be gentler with myself, especially during challenging times or moments of doubt, which has strengthened my resilience. This wisdom has helped me approach my work with a greater sense of purpose, knowing that it’s okay to take risks and learn from imperfections along the way. Nothing is perfect and I have to know that it is ok to be perfectly imperfect. Building a business is all about taking risks and figuring out how to mitigate them effectively.

For anyone on a journey of growth or leadership, “The Gifts of Imperfection” offers insights that inspire not only personal acceptance but also the courage to lead with integrity and empathy. It is truly a must-read.

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Image Credits

Orit Harpaz
Kita Zuleta

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