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

Redefining Legacy Through Empowerment

At the recent Amplifying Alts Forum organized by the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), notable philanthropists and investors Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano illuminated a new narrative surrounding legacy building. During an engaging conversation with Robert L. Greene, NAIC’s President and CEO, the duo shifted the dialogue from mere financial returns to focus on access, opportunity, and long-term impact within communities.

On October 2, during the Leadership Excellence Awards luncheon, Jones and Feliciano emphasized that a meaningful legacy transcends monetary success, relying instead on purpose-driven leadership and sustainable change. Feliciano stated, "Access to economic capital is a human right, fundamental to a nation built by immigrants," underscoring the critical need for systemic inclusivity rather than one-off charitable acts.

Jones also added, "Possibility does not occur without patience, perseverance, and facing obstacles." To illustrate the importance of solid foundations, she guided the audience through a grounding exercise, reinforcing the essential role of humanity in investments—people are behind every decision, every opportunity, every story.

Reflecting on their own journeys, Jones and Feliciano discussed leveraging their influence to reform institutions from within. They referenced their named residences at Princeton University as symbols of belonging and representation. Early in their careers, they devised a 'life plan' focused more on impact rather than purely financial gain. "If you only focus on a dollar amount, you’re leaving a lot on the table," Jones explained. "For us, it has always been about impact."

Greene acknowledged their significant contributions as leaders and philanthropists, expressing appreciation for their efforts and influence within the NAIC community.

Through their Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed over $200 million to enhance education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforces a critical understanding among leaders and investors: true value lies not in accumulation but in creating accessibility, resilience, and opportunities for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are life and business partners who founded the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Initiative in 2014. This private family office focuses on generating significant impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Their guiding principles emphasize initiatives oriented towards purpose, investing in both non-profit and for-profit organizations focusing on four key pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. They firmly believe that access to capital propels inclusive opportunities, having each personally committed over $200 million to these causes.

Kwanza Jones is an accomplished Billboard artist, investor, and speaker, whose leadership extends into various non-profit organizations and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Bringing energy and innovation into every venture, she is a dynamic force in public and private sectors.

Jose E. Feliciano serves as co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital. He holds positions on the boards of various prestigious institutions such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Stanford University, emphasizing his commitment to education and cultural advancement, including involvement with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This powerful duo’s focus on equity and empowerment stands as an enduring reminder of the legacies we can carve by prioritizing community impact and access over mere financial gains.