About Felix

Felix Manuel Rodriguez born in Waterbury, Connecticut, is the youngest son of Antonia Rodriguez of Penuelas, Puerto Rico.  While growing up in the public housing projects, he was exposed to both American and Puerto Rican culture and tradition.  As a child from a father-absent home, Rodriguez knows all too well the challenges and struggles of a single parent home.  

Rodriguez is the author of the award-winning children's book Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali: A Father and Son Story (iUniverse). The book is featured at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Rodriguez, who was raised by a single mother, dedicated the book to the 25 million kids in the U.S. who grow up without a father present in their lives.

A love for public speaking and a strong sense of social and civic responsibility led Rodriguez to a career in public service.  He currently works for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), as the special assistant to the deputy commissioner, where he assists in the leadership of various agency initiatives.  Rodriguez also works as a professional boxing inspector for the Connecticut State Boxing Commission, motivated by his love for the sport and contribution it makes to life.  He participated in boxing events that were featured on national major broadcast such as Showtime, Univision, ESPN, and HBO.Previously, he served as an undercover operative combating underage drinking for the Connecticut Liquor Control Division.  In the past, Rodriguez served as an outreach coordinator/constituent liaison for U.S. Representative Nancy Johnson, where he advised on matters pertaining to fathers, families, and well-being of children and families. 

Rodriguez has a deep-rooted interest in the education and development of children from underserved and economically underprivileged communities.  He recently served as president for the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury Inc, where he played an integral part in the development of staff, after school programs, mentoring services and cultural activities.  

Rodriguez also served as an assistant little league coach, where he developed self-confidence, promoted respect and sportsmanship. He was recognized as the 2007 Assistant Coach of the Year for leading his little league team to a city championship.    

Rodriguez serves on the Connecticut Fatherhood Advisory Council, DCF Fatherhood Matters Committee, Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut Board of Directors, and as an advisor to Lincoln College of New England Communications Department. He also serves as co-chairman for the Greater Hartford Male Youth Leadership Program Steering Committee, a program designed to empower young men to achieve higher goals through education and community awareness. 

In 2008, he was appointed Police Commissioner by the mayor of the city of Waterbury.  In 2010, Rodriguez was appointed to the Silas Bronson Library Waterbury Hall of Fame Committee. Most recently, he graduated from the FBI Citizens' Academy in New Haven.

Rodriguez coordinated the first ever Muhammad Ali Day in Connecticut event to celebrate Muhammad Ali's 68th birthday and prolific career in and out of the boxing ring.  His goal is to advance and promote Ali's core guiding principles of hope, respect and understanding and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.  The Honorable Governor M. Jodi Rell officially proclaimed January 17, 2010 as Muhammad Ali Day in Connecticut.

In pursuing his passion for writing, Rodriguez is a contributing writer to The Good Men Project Magazine and Common Ground, the New England Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors newspaper.  He is an associate member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).  Rodriguez a writer who seeks to inspire children everywhere to dream big and learn more.  His first book was named among the "best in family-friendly media, products and services" by the Mom's Choice Awards®.  

Rodriguez is a proud graduate of the Waterbury Public School System and actively participated in his high school United States Marine Corps Junior R.O.T.C. He holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Lincoln College of New England (formerly Briarwood College) and is currently enrolled at the University of Bridgeport, where he is earning a Bachelor of Science degree and Certificate in Criminal Justice.  

Additionally, The Hartford Business Journal, named Rodriguez one of its 2009 "40 Under Forty" award winners for his contributions to the community and state.   He was honored as the 2010 City of Waterbury Mayor for the Day. Rodriguez was recognized with the 2010 Coqui Parenting Award for his work promoting responsible fatherhood. He has received many official citations and statements from local, state, and federal government officials for his service to the community and state.

Rodriguez lives in Connecticut with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Felix Joeza, and Jalissa.

The Good Men Project Magazine

 Professional Boxing Inspector 

 
Media photos

felix_author_photo.jpg
File Size:	460 kb
File Type:	jpg

Download File

---

felix_edit_2.jpg
File Size:	1913 kb
File Type:	jpg

Download File

---