ABOUT US
Lifelong Advocates for Positive Social Change
Are You Facing Challenging Relations and Outdated Practices Within Your Organization?
rfc21 understands the importance of creating a harmonious and efficient work environment, especially in fields as critical as public child welfare. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate these difficulties with empathy and expertise. We work closely with you to identify underlying issues, develop innovative solutions, and foster a culture of collaboration and trust, ensuring your organization can thrive and effectively serve your community.
That’s Where We Come In
With over two decades of combined experience in direct service, program management, and executive leadership, Angel and Kellie are dedicated to transforming organizations facing complex challenges. Angel, our CEO and COO, brings extensive knowledge from her career in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Her innovative programs addressed critical issues like racial disparity in public child welfare and improved educational outcomes for foster youth. A natural storyteller and listener, Angel is adept at understanding and addressing unique organizational needs, with a strong commitment to academic contributions by teaching social work at esteemed universities.
Kellie, our VP and CFO, complements Angel’s expertise with over two decades in public child welfare direct service and program management in Los Angeles County. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she excels in enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. Her projects, including developing tools to combat racial bias in CPS referrals and improving child safety decision-making systems, have had significant impacts in social work practice. Kellie fosters critical thinking and transparent conversations to help organizations see challenges from new perspectives and find effective solutions. Together, Angel and Kellie are committed to guiding your organization through transformative change with compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the public child welfare system. Discover how their insights can support your mission and help your organization thrive.
THE CREDS
Where Expertise Meets Heart
Hi, I’m Angel Rodriguez
CHIEF EXECUTIVE & OPERATING OFFICER
Angel Rodriguez brings over two decades of dedicated experience in direct service, program management, and executive leadership within the public child welfare system. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families in communities of color. Beyond her professional endeavors, Angel is an adventurous spirit who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, traveling, and meeting new people. She's an avid sports fan, particularly of hockey, and finds relaxation in watching crime dramas (Bosch, anyone?), the Food Network and HGTV. Angel values self-care with a penchant for craft cocktails, whiskey or tequila, and indulges in culinary fun like cauliflower tacos and flavorful hot wings (not all are created equal, FYI). Her love for movies, including favorites like "Blue Beetle," and TV shows like "Modern Family," reflects her appreciation for entertainment and downtime. Angel considers the companionship of dogs unmatched and prioritizes wellness in all aspects of her life.
Hi, I’m Kellie Figoten
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Kellie brings over two decades of experience in direct service and program management within the public child welfare system, where she has led transformative projects to enhance efficiency and promote equity. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she has developed innovative tools to combat racial bias in CPS referrals and streamline child safety decision-making processes. Kellie has also spent two decades developing curriculum and teaching bachelor and master-level students in social work at a local state university. She is known for fostering critical thinking and facilitating transparent conversations that lead to authentic transformative change within organizations. Beyond her professional achievements, Kellie enjoys traveling the world and exploring new foodie experiences. After a long week, she finds relaxation in putting on "Schitt’s Creek" and "History of the World" on repeat (they’re comforting, okay?) and values wellness practices such as cold plunges and cycling about 60 miles a week. Kellie's deep affection for dogs underscores her commitment to compassion and empathy in both her personal and professional life.
Stanley
CHIEF DISTRACTION OFFICER
Stanley, aka Mr. Personality, is an instant friend to everyone. Named after the prestigious hockey trophy, the Stanley Cup, he's a social media star with his own Instagram (@stanleycuppup22). Sunbathing is his favorite pastime, and he's a healthy snacker with a taste for lettuce and broccoli, which we cleverly use to train him. When the workday ends, he's always eager to fetch and stretch his legs outdoors.
Desilu
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
Desilu is our resident sun-worshipper, often found lounging and soaking up rays. She eagerly anticipates the neighbor friends' appearances so she can bark at them. Despite her sometimes loud breathing—often mistaken for snoring—Desilu is always wide awake and alert, keenly observing her surroundings with a watchful eye. And if the neighbors' gate or back door is open, you can bet she's off to check things out.
Whether it's navigating complex public child welfare systems or fostering transformative leadership, our team is committed to making a profound change. Join us in our journey to redefine compassion and excellence in social services.
WHY WORK WITH US
Our Values Drive Everything We Do
We create a collaborative and inclusive environment, working closely with you to achieve the best outcomes. Above all, we prioritize the well-being of children and families, and we passionately advocate for social justice and equity in public child welfare.
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Our commitment to integrity means that we prioritize the well-being of those we serve and uphold the trust placed in us by our clients, stakeholders and the community.
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As lifelong learners, we continuously seek evidence-based practices to drive meaningful change and expand our understanding of the complex challenges facing public child welfare and communities of color.
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We embrace creativity, adaptability, and forward-thinking practices to develop groundbreaking solutions that address systemic issues and foster positive outcomes.
FUN FACTS
Just a Few of Rfc21’s Faves
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Hockey (hello, Colorado Avalanche), and we can’t help but fall victim to the occasional doom scroll on TikTok and Instagram. Although sometimes we couch rot (that’s self-care, right?), we value physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. And if it wasn’t obvious, we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE dogs. We love them more than kids.
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“Blue Beetle" is a movie we love to watch on repeat. Kellie can’t get enough of "History of the World," while "Modern Family" and "Schitt’s Creek" are our go-to TV shows that we can watch endlessly.
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A pedicure, a poke bowl, and a night of TV with Stanley and Desilu, or dinner with friends is how we treat ourselves after a long week. We love cauliflower tacos and hot wings (not all are created equal). Trying new food via Resy is a must. And let's be honest, Uber Eats is life. Speaking of food, we seek out foods from different cultures wherever we travel.
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In the mornings, you’ll find us swimming in a cup (or two) of coffee. When we’re not being super responsible working adults, we love trying new craft cocktails—whiskey and tequila (separately, not together).
TESTIMONIALS
Hear it From the People We’ve Served
It’s Time to Stop Facing Challenges Alone
Let us help lift the burden off your shoulders. Just like Moira Rose says, sometimes you need to "fold in the cheese" to make everything come together seamlessly. Our team is the cheese that will support you with expertise in public child welfare, leadership coaching, and strategic planning, ensuring your organization thrives.