Platinum Dads is The Father Center of New Jersey’s signature annual celebration honoring men who exemplify leadership, integrity, and commitment to their families and communities.
This distinguished event recognizes fathers and father figures whose lives reflect the power of engaged, responsible, and present fatherhood.
The 2026 Platinum Dads Awards will bring together community leaders, partners, families, and supporters for an evening that celebrates impact, service, and legacy. Honorees are selected for the positive influence they have on their children, their communities, and the next generation of men.
Explore this year’s honorees below:
OWNER
NEW LIFE DRIVING SCHOOL
Community Partner Award Recipient
Carlos Paz, a native of Colombia, faced one of the most difficult periods of his life when he was incarcerated. Determined to change his path and become the father his children deserved, Carlos committed himself to growth, accountability, and rebuilding his future. With the support of his wife, Norma Paz, he embraced a new beginning. Together, they immigrated to the United States and opened their own business, turning hardship into opportunity.
Driven by a deep commitment to service, Carlos and Norma dedicated themselves to helping their community through New Life Driving School. The school plays a pivotal role in The Father Center of New Jersey’s Drive2Independence program, which provides participants with essential driving skills and knowledge. Beyond teaching people how to drive, the program builds confidence and independence—key elements for both personal and professional growth. Instructors consistently go above and beyond to ensure each participant receives individualized attention and support.
Understanding that financial barriers can often hinder progress, New Life Driving School takes extraordinary measures to assist participants. In some cases, the school has helped cover fines and fees that would otherwise prevent individuals from moving forward. By alleviating these burdens, participants can fully focus on their training and growth, reflecting the school’s commitment to empowering success regardless of circumstance.
In addition, New Life Driving School is the primary donor for TFCNJ’s Men at the Breakfast Table program, a vital resource for fathers in the community. This program provides a safe and supportive space where men can connect, share experiences, and receive mentorship. Donations from the school help fund meals, resources, and activities that foster personal growth and strengthen community bonds.
Carlos, now a dedicated instructor at New Life Driving School, embodies the mission of the organization. He routinely goes the extra mile by personally driving participants to the DMV to help them obtain their licenses. This hands-on support not only eases an often intimidating process but also demonstrates genuine care for each individual’s success.
FOUNDER
HEY BLACK DAD
Peter Bullock is a husband, father, certified doula, and the visionary founder of Hey Black Dad. With unwavering dedication, Peter has made it his mission to transform the journey into fatherhood by equipping men with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to step boldly into their roles as supportive partners and engaged fathers.
Through Hey Black Dad, Peter is leading a movement to improve maternal healthcare outcomes by emphasizing the critical role of fathers in the birthing and parenting process. His work empowers men to take an intentional and early approach to fatherhood, strengthening families, deepening partnerships, and contributing to healthier communities.
Peter serves as Board Chair of Cross Community Inc., where he helps advance initiatives addressing urgent community needs. Under his leadership, the organization’s flagship volunteer meal-packaging event, Trenton Makes the World’s Plates, pooled more than 1,500 volunteers to package over 300,000 meals for food-insecure communities worldwide. That same day, Cross Community Inc. also collected and distributed more than 4,000 pounds of perishable and nonperishable food to local food banks and community kitchens throughout Mercer County.
In addition, Peter serves on the Board of Artworks Trenton, supporting efforts to ensure equitable access to the arts for all residents of Trenton. He is also a member of Capital Health’s Perinatal Community Advisory Board, where he collaborates regularly with hospital staff, birth workers, and community health workers to help ensure that families receive comprehensive, culturally responsive support throughout their perinatal journey.
Peter’s expertise extends beyond direct family support. He consults with nonprofits and businesses and trains birth workers to integrate paternal and family-centered perspectives into maternal care.
With every interaction, Peter seeks to inspire others to see fatherhood not merely as a responsibility but as a powerful opportunity to shape the future. His work is a call to action for men, organizations, and systems to create lasting change for the families and communities they serve.
Robert E. Alston Legacy of Fatherhood Award Honoree
Dr. Glenn Lang is the former Assistant Secretary of Higher Education for Academic and Student Support Programs and Executive Director of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Minority Academic Careers Program. As chief academic officer for New Jersey’s higher education coordinating agency, he oversaw statewide initiatives supporting middle school, high school, and college preparation.
Dr. Lang is especially proud of his leadership of the Educational Opportunity Fund, a nationally recognized model program for expanding college access, support, and success for students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. During his tenure, EOF achieved notable gains in student retention and graduation rates. By the time of his retirement, more than 43,000 students who entered college through EOF had earned their degrees.
Since retiring from public service, Dr. Lang has remained deeply engaged in education as a mentor, substitute teacher in local school districts, and advisor to colleges, universities, and professional organizations working to strengthen educational quality, equity, and institutional impact.
A first-generation college graduate and one of fifteen siblings, Dr. Lang holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Executive Leadership from Fordham University, an M.S. in Counseling from the University of Scranton, and a B.A. in Sociology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Of all his accomplishments, Dr. Lang considers his greatest honor to be the title of “Dad.” He is the proud father of three adult children—India (33), Glenn II (31), and Miles (29)—and “Pop Pop” to four grandchildren, Laila, Malia, Javien, and Nalaya. He gives thanks to God for the gift of family and fatherhood and believes that engaged, loving fatherhood is one of the most powerful forces for strengthening families, uplifting communities, and shaping a hopeful future for generations to come.
PRESIDENT & CEO
FATHERS & FAMILIES COALITION OF AMERICA
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, dynamic speaker, and lifelong advocate for the well-being of children, families, and communities. A sought-after expert in behavioral health, equity, trauma-informed systems, and father engagement, Dr. Rodríguez is known for his powerful, lived-experience-based approach that integrates clinical expertise with real-world leadership. A proud father, soldier, social worker, Boricua, and visionary educator, Dr. Rodríguez embodies a purpose-driven approach to addressing the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Dr. James C. Rodríguez’s life’s work spans a diverse array of fields, including Early Childhood Education, Public Health, Child Welfare, Mental Health, Leadership Development, and Fatherhood Advocacy. He has dedicated over four decades to serving the United States, beginning with his honorable service in the Armed Forces and extending into community initiatives, board leadership, and national advocacy. From military service to leading change in boardrooms and classrooms, James has fought to secure equitable funding and expand access to resources for historically underserved individuals and communities.
A lifelong champion of his favorite cause, Head Start, Dr. Rodríguez has played a pivotal role in advancing initiatives that uplift families, transform inequitable systems, and strengthen intergenerational opportunity both nationally and internationally. His leadership has helped shape policies and practices that center dignity, healing, and long-term impact for children and families.
From the University of Guelph in Canada to La Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, and from the classrooms of the University of Southern California and beyond, James has always felt deeply humbled and honored to stand before future professionals. As someone who grew up in a low-income household, he carries with him a sacred calling—to show others that no matter where you begin, the power within can help you rise. Through every lecture, training, and keynote, he invites others to cultivate their purpose, lead with integrity, and build a legacy rooted in service, healing, and hope.
THE FATHER CENTER OF NEW JERSEY PARTICIPANT
Vonzell’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and the unbreakable bond of fatherhood. After facing a period of incarceration, he emerged committed to rebuilding his life and becoming the present, dependable father his two children deserve. Through determination and the support of The Father Center of New Jersey, Vonzell embarked on a transformative journey toward stability, purpose, and lasting change.
Following his release, Vonzell was determined to turn his life around. Seeking guidance and support, he connected with The Father Center, which offered him a pathway to reintegrate into society and strengthen his family. He enrolled in the Skills2Prosper program, a workforce development initiative designed to provide participants with practical skills, professional exposure, and pathways to sustainable employment.
Throughout the Skills2Prosper program, Vonzell demonstrated a strong commitment to growth. He actively participated in job sampling opportunities that allowed him to gain hands-on experience across various roles while developing confidence and leadership skills. One standout opportunity came at Commercial Cleaning Corp., where he showcased his potential. During his time there, Vonzell distinguished himself through his work ethic, reliability, and natural leadership abilities. His performance left a lasting impression, and his potential was quickly recognized.
Just a few days after his job sampling experience, Vonzell received an offer for a Manager position at Commercial Cleaning Corp. This opportunity was more than just a job, it marked a turning point. The position provided financial stability, renewed confidence, and the opportunity to build a secure future for his children. Most importantly, it allowed him to fully step into his role as a present and engaged father.
Vonzell’s story is a powerful narrative of redemption, demonstrating that no matter the challenges faced, it is never too late to change one’s life and make a meaningful impact on those who matter most. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with determination and the right support, it is possible to rise above one’s circumstances and create a better life.
