Powerhouse Philanthropists Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Redefine Legacy Through Equity and Empowerment at NAIC Alts Forum

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In a fireside chat with NAIC's Robert L. Greene, Jones and Feliciano emphasized that legacy extends beyond returns, rooted in strategy, resilience, and access.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, powerhouse investors and philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what it means to build a legacy. In a fireside chat with Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of NAIC, the duo shifted the conversation from financial returns to long-term systems of access, opportunity, and impact.

Speaking during the Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon on October 2, Jones and Feliciano underscored that true legacy is built through purpose-driven leadership and sustainable change. "Access to economic capital is a human right, critical for a nation built by immigrants," said Feliciano, emphasizing the need for systemic inclusion over one-time generosity.

"Possibility doesn't happen without patience. It doesn't happen without perseverance. And it certainly doesn't happen without obstacles," added Jones, who led the audience through an exercise on grounding and centering to highlight the importance of strong foundations. This human-centric approach, Jones explained, is critical because "it's people who have thoughts, people who have feelings, people who have histories, people who have stories" behind every investment.

Together, Jones and Feliciano spoke about using their influence to reshape institutions from within, referencing their named dormitories at Princeton University as symbols of belonging and representation. They also shared how, early in their careers, they created a "life plan" centered on impact rather than income. "If you only focus on a dollar amount, you're leaving so much on the table," Jones said. "For us, it has always been about impact."

Greene acknowledged their impact as leaders and philanthropists. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your example, how much I appreciate your leadership, and how much this association and all of the people in it appreciate your friendship."

Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed more than $200 million to advancing education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforced a key insight for leaders and investors alike: lasting value is measured not by accumulation, but by access, resilience, and the opportunities created for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano 

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are life and business partners. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, they invest in and partner with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Believing that access to capital drives inclusive opportunity, Jones and Feliciano have personally committed over $200 million to these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard-charting artist, investor, and speaker whose leadership has extended across nonprofits and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. She brings energy and creativity to every stage she steps onto—whether public or private.

José E. Feliciano is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clearlake Capital. He is on the board of directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, J. Paul Getty Trust, and LA28, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to education and cultural advancement.

SOURCE Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative.