#USA #Los Angeles #Kwanza Jones #NAIC #José Feliciano

Redefining the Concept of Legacy

On October 2, 2025, during the NAIC Alts Forum, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what legacy means in today's context. Joined by Robert L. Greene, the president and CEO of the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), the duo shifted the conversation from merely financial rewards to a multi-faceted approach encompassing strategy, resilience, and resource channels. Their insights were particularly critical as they highlighted that true legacy lies in transformative impact rather than just economic capital.

Jones emphasized the importance of legacy as something rooted in purposeful leadership and sustainable change, stating, "Opportunities for economic capital acquisition are a fundamental human right, especially in a nation built by immigrants." This sentiment underscores the need for systemic inclusivity over one-off benevolence.

In a unique session, Jones led attendees through a mindfulness exercise to stress the significance of a strong foundational mindset for leadership and investment. She articulated, "All investments fundamentally represent individuals with thoughts, emotions, personal histories, and life stories behind them." This human-centric philosophy serves as a guiding principle in their endeavors, setting a tone for how they view investment in communities.

Feliciano added to this conversation, discussing their commitment to reshaping systems from within, using their Princeton-named building as ideal representation of belonging and representation. They recalled how they established a "life plan" centered on influence rather than mere income, with Jones stressing, "If you focus only on money, you'll miss countless opportunities; our purpose is always about creating impact."

Greene expressed gratitude for Jones and Feliciano's leadership and influence, recognizing their friendship's value to the association and its members. Through their initiative, Kwanza Jones José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has pledged over $200 million to promote education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message revealed a critical insight for all leaders and investors: durable value does not hinge on capital accumulation but on resource accessibility, resilience in challenging circumstances, and the opportunities created for future generations.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are not just life partners but also business collaborators. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office aimed at creating significant impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. They remain committed to investment and partnerships focused on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. They believe that access to capital is key to driving inclusive development and have collectively invested over $200 million towards these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard charting artist, investor, and speaker, known for her vibrant and creative contributions across various nonprofit organizations and corporate boards, including Apollo Theater and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. José E. Feliciano is co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital and is affiliated with several prominent organizations including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, reflecting his passion for education and cultural advancement.