Philanthropists and investors Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano delivered a compelling message at the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) “Scaling the Impact of Alternative Investments Forum,” highlighting that a true legacy is built on purpose-driven leadership, equity, and empowerment, not just financial rewards.
During the Excellence in Leadership Awards luncheon on October 2, Jones and Feliciano shared insights on creating long-term pipelines of resources and opportunities. They emphasized that systemic inclusion and access to economic capital are essential for sustainable progress, particularly in a nation shaped by immigrants.
Key Insights
Jones led attendees through a meditation exercise to illustrate that resilience, patience, and perseverance are core to impactful leadership. Both philanthropists discussed how they leverage their influence to reshape institutions, citing their named building at Princeton University as a tangible symbol of belonging and representation.
Approach to Impact
“Our original intention has always been to create impact,” Jones said, stressing that focusing solely on money limits opportunities. Feliciano added that access to capital is a fundamental human right, reinforcing their strategy of building influence for systemic change.
Philanthropic Commitment
Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed over $200 million to advance education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their approach demonstrates that lasting value comes from resilience, opportunity creation, and universal access to resources rather than mere accumulation of wealth.
About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano
Kwanza Jones, a nine-time Billboard-charting entertainer and investor, serves on multiple nonprofit and corporate boards including the Apollo Theater and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. José E. Feliciano, co-founder of Clearlake Capital, is a board member at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford University, and LA28. Together, through their initiative, they strategically invest in nonprofit and for-profit organizations to drive transformative impact.
