Welcome Father-Con’s Newest Board Members

Terry Boykins, Joseph Luisi, and Patrick Erlandson welcome 3 additional board members to Father-Con: Mark Winkler, Vijay Patel and Mayor Rick Rodriguez!

Mark Winkler is an author, family advocate, and motivational speaker.

Through his non-profit organization, Manhood Camp/Fatherhood Circle, Mark provides guidance, leadership, and life-skills coaching to men and boys.

Recently, Mark has centered his work around helping men and fathers take a new look at and approach to manhood through his work he calls De-Radicalizing Masculinity.

Before his work with Manhood Camp, Winkler worked as a music agent with United Talent Agency (UTA).

During his tenure at UTA, Winkler signed and booked many artists including Nelly, Patti LaBelle, Teena Marie, Anthony Hamilton, Nas, and Mase.

While at UTA Winkler worked very closely with talent management teams to package and route various regional/nationwide tours & negotiated and prepared booking contracts.

In addition to his agent duties, Winkler facilitated UTA’s High School Youth Mentor Program.

Vijay Patel is a first generation American who became the first professional in his family.

He worked at the AM Law 100 law firm with over 1,500 attorneys worldwide in the Medical Malpractice Department.

Mr. Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California and went on to graduate with honors at the Indiana University of Law.

Mr. Patel has successfully argued before the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and other US District Courts.

Currently Mr. Patel is a criminal prosecutor for the city of Los Angeles and is on the board of directors of Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.

He is also a board member of the Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities and is President Elect 2021 – 2022 of the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis.

Finally, Mr. Patel is grateful to his parents who paved the way and his beautiful wife and two daughters for their unconditional love.

Rick Rodriguez has been many things to many people in Downey, CA and around the world.

The youngest of 6 siblings, he chose Downey to raise his family in. 

Two values became entrenched in Rick and his wife Lupe’s heart and lives: hard work will get you want you want and service to one’s community. 

Together Rick and Lupe started Rodbat Management Inc. (RMI), a privately held Southern California professional security organization that would provide clients with quality security services that employ over 1000 people, work in 18 states and 3 countries. 

In 2014, they established the Living Tree Foundation, a non-profit organization that benefits returning Combat Veterans and their families, providing job training and housing, and arranging therapy dogs for those in need of assistance.

Rick and Lupe are dedicated to serving their community through their passion to help others and volunteerism that gives them their greatest enjoyment. 

Mr. Rodriguez has proudly served as Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Committee for the City of Downey, Past-President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Street Faire Committee Chairman, Past-President of Gangs Out Of Downey (G.O.O.D.), and currently serves as Law Enforcement Chaplain with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Inspired by the community's rich history, Rick wants to bring his strong leadership skills to the city that he loves. When Rodriguez was elected Mayor, he brought a spirit of collaboration to see actual results.

Patrick Erlandson

Founder of Father-Con, and "See it. End it." Film & Arts Festival