As a proud veteran and advocate for marginalized communities, my journey through the armed forces, early childhood education, public health, and child welfare fuels my passion for service. I strongly believe in the boundless potential of Latinos, African Americans, and First Nations. Together, we can achieve our dreams and empower others to recognize their strength. Let us stand strong in our purpose and pursue our Ikigai, shaping a future where everyone thrives. Remember, your vision is powerful—hold onto it!
Me quedo a su servicio,
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, is a renowned international leader, speaker, and advocate for children's well-being. His leadership roles in various fields, including Early Childhood Education, Public Health, Child Welfare, Social Work, Leadership Development, and Fatherhood Practitioner, have allowed him to make a significant impact. His service journey began as a combat medic in the United States Army at the young age of 17. By 22, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense. His passion for helping at-risk youth, which has had a significant and positive impact, was recognized with a Points of Light award from President George H.W. Bush. This recognition was a testament to the hope he instilled in youth in gangs while serving active duty in the Armed Forces. President Barack H. Obama later awarded the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Recipient to Dr. James C. Rodríguez, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Rodríguez's work has had a profound impact on the community. He is recognized for establishing one of the initial fatherhood programs supported by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Arizona. This program has [specific impact on the community]. In addition, he has created multiple programs with TANF, Office of Refugee and Resettlement, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Center for Disease Control, and foundation and state awards funding, amounting to over $75 million for national to local initiatives. These initiatives have supported the wellness of moms and dads and professionals who want to increase their impact on their families or on the communities they serve. Dr. Rodríguez's grassroots collaboration led to the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, which has changed communities worldwide by spearheading the International Families and Fathers Conference. His commitment, professionalism, diversity, leadership, and creativity have inspired countless individuals and organizations to make a difference. James has served as a professor at the University of Southern California and Arizona State University, where he has inspired and educated future social workers on the foundations of social work and the impact of policy on services for children and families. His passion for teaching has taken him to various universities and communities across the globe, including Morehouse College, Howard University, Columbia University, Clark Atlanta University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Malcolm X College, Elmhurst College, or the Qutekcak Native Tribe, Navajo Nation, Salt River Pima Indian Community, Sobo Tribal Nation, and the University of the West Indies - the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Jamaica, and Guelph University, Canada. Dr. Rodríguez has garnered extensive experience serving as the Principal Investigator for health initiatives funded by the prestigious Center for Disease Control. His research has led to dynamic interventions for youth involved with gangs through Arizona State University or young parents with high levels of depression through a special Oregon-based study, even as a professional requested by the Administration for Children and Families to teach incarcerated dads from Hawaii or working with local First Nation practitioners to create diverse models serving parents.

His professionalism, diversity, leadership, and creativity have inspired countless individuals and organizations to effect meaningful change. Dr. Rodríguez has also developed the OAR Leadership Institute, which has provided comprehensive leadership training to over 2,500 individuals since 2018. The Institute stands as a leader in executive development, offering a pioneering curriculum that empowers professionals across sectors to excel and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Participants engage in dynamic, evidence-based training that fosters personal growth and professional excellence. OAR graduates can navigate today's complex leadership landscape by integrating timeless principles with contemporary strategies.

In addition, he developed the SAMHSA-approved "Including and Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support" training curricula, contracted by the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. This specific professional development contract from the Maryland Department of Public Health's Behavioral Health Agency, as part of Maryland's Commitment to Veterans and the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course, has led to over 30,000 individuals receiving advanced practitioner training.

James' work has earned him global recognition as a highly influential figure in his field. His work has not only impacted local communities but has also reached a global scale. He has spearheaded many nationally awarded grants, including the one he designed for the Somali Association of Arizona, which was recognized by the U.S. Office of Refugees and Relocation. He has also worked as a Senior Researcher at the Oregon Center for Applied Science, contributing his expertise to the National Institute of Mental Health's Hispanic/Latino and African American National Community Parent Depression Research Project. His contributions to the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network at Temple University and his policy advocacy work have been instrumental with public acts passages in Conneticut, Arizona, and collaborations with state agencies. Ultimately, the most important part of James is his value for all individuals and his depth of love for his children. These values, which are not just a part of his personal life but also deeply influence his professional work, inspire him to create initiatives and programs that support the wellness of moms and dads and professionals who want to increase their impact on their families or the communities they serve. It is these values that drive his work and make him a truly inspiring figure in the field of social work and child welfare.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW
President & Chief Executive Officer
Fathers and Families Coalition of America