#USA #Los Angeles #Kwanza Jones #José Feliciano #Cardozo Law School

Empowering Future Lawyers: A Transformative Donation to Cardozo Law School

In a remarkable move towards enhancing legal education and community service, philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano have pledged an incredible $6 million donation to the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University. Announced on November 13, 2025, this generous offering aims to support the renovation and expansion of the law school’s clinical education programs, ensuring that students gain invaluable practical experience while serving the community of New York City.

The donation will fund the construction of an advanced facility named the “Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Clinical Education Program.” This cutting-edge space will feature modern offices for faculty and staff, collaborative work areas, and a stylish client meeting room designed to enhance the service provided to community clients. These upgrades are crucial in equipping both students and faculty with the resources necessary to fulfill their essential mission of providing pro bono legal services.

Both Jones and Feliciano have maintained a strong connection to Cardozo in recent years, laying the groundwork for this significant donation. In 2024, Jones received recognition at the 14th Annual BLACK (Black, Asian, and Latinx Law Student Association) Alumni Celebration for her outstanding leadership and contributions to equity. This event raised an impressive $60,000, funding four scholarships aimed at supporting students who contribute to diversifying the student body despite facing adversity. Later that year, at the law school’s Kukin Conflict Resolution Center Peace Gala, she delivered a heartfelt rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” honoring Professor Lela Love, a founding figure of the Kukin center and one of Jones’s mentors during her time at law school.

The couple's unwavering commitment goes beyond personal ties; it reflects their dedication to the mission of Cardozo and their investment in its students and the wider community. “Our goal is to empower individuals and enhance humanity,” Jones and Feliciano stated, emphasizing their belief in the profound ripple effects this investment will yield — equipping students with vital skills while also providing necessary legal support to the community.

Jones, a 1999 Cardozo graduate, participated in the mediation clinical program during her studies. She highlighted how her experiences underscored the value of experiential learning. “The clinical programs at Cardozo provided me with practical and real-world practice that honed my problem-solving, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills,” she remarked. “This has had a profound impact on my work and life. I am proud to give back to the law school that supports my vision for a better future.”

The ripple effects of this impactful investment are set to extend far beyond the Cardozo campus itself. By expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful clinical work, the law school is enhancing its ability to provide pro bono legal services to those most in need, thereby safeguarding rights and showcasing humanity.

“This is a transformative gift that will benefit generations of students to come,” stated Melanie Leslie, Dean of Cardozo Law School and 1991 graduate. “Kwanza embodies the spirit of Cardozo. Throughout her career, she has continuously challenged herself and others to create opportunities and inspire change. Together with José, they share a vision for achieving justice and educational equity. We are deeply grateful for their support.”

Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the pair focuses on education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment, continually advancing their mission to enhance humanity. Their commitment of $6 million to Cardozo is not only a continuation of their philanthropic legacy but also a powerful extension of their mission to strengthen institutional capabilities, uplift community well-being, and build a brighter future.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are not only life partners but also business partners. They founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative in 2014, a private family office dedicated to creating lasting impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. With a focus on four pillars—education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment—they believe that access to capital drives inclusive growth. Together, Jones and Feliciano have personally committed over $250 million to these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard chart-topping artist, investor, and speaker. Her leadership roles span various nonprofit organizations and corporate boards, including Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. She brings vibrancy and creativity to every stage, both public and private.

José E. Feliciano is the co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital. He serves on the boards of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Board of Trustees, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, and J. Paul Getty Trust, as well as the LA28 organization responsible for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, reflecting his commitment to education and cultural development.