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

Redefining Legacy: A New Paradigm in Philanthropy

In a groundbreaking conversation held at the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, prominent philanthropists and investors Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano shed light on what it truly means to create a legacy. Their dialogue with NAIC President Robert L. Greene emphasized the notion that legacy stretches far beyond financial returns, resting instead on strategy, resilience, and equitable access.

The forum, attended by industry leaders, served as a space to rethink the traditional paradigms of wealth and legacy. Jones and Feliciano underscored the necessity of focusing not merely on monetary gain but on the long-term impact, opportunities, and systems of influence that can be fostered through philanthropy.

At the Leadership Excellence Award Luncheon, which took place on October 2, Jones stated that a meaningful legacy is cultivated by goal-driven leadership and sustainable change. "Achieving economic capital is a human right and is crucial for a country built by immigrants," Feliciano added, calling for systemic inclusion instead of mere acts of generosity.

Their insights reflected a broader trend in modern philanthropy, which increasingly prioritizes social equity alongside financial investment. Jones pointedly remarked, "Without patience, goals cannot be achieved. And without perseverance, nothing happens." She illustrated this point by guiding attendees through an exercise that highlighted the importance of building a solid foundation for any investment, reinforcing the idea that behind every investment are thoughtful individuals with their own emotional journeys and histories.

Throughout their discussion, Jones and Feliciano explored how they leverage their influence to reshape institutions from within. They cited their involvement in Princeton University's named dormitory as a powerful representation of inclusion and belonging. Jones stressed that their approach isn't solely about monetary gains but about the impact, saying, "If you focus only on a dollar, you'll leave a lot on the table. For us, it’s always been about influence."

This sentiment was echoed by Greene, who expressed admiration for their roles as leaders and philanthropists. “I cannot express enough how much I appreciate your example and your leadership, and the friendship you extend to this association and to everyone within it,” he remarked.

Through their Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has pledged over $200 million to advance education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforced an essential insight for investors and leaders alike: the true metrics of enduring value lie not in accumulation but in access, resilience, and the opportunities created for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are not only life and business partners but also pioneers in reimagining philanthropic possibilities. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office aimed at making meaningful social impact through strategic investing and transformative philanthropy. Focused on four key pillars—education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment—they collaborate with both non-profits and for-profits to create inclusive opportunities.

Jones, a nine-time Billboard-charting artist and a proactive speaker, contributes her creative energy to various nonprofits and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Conversely, Feliciano, as a co-founder of Clearlake Capital, holds esteemed positions on the boards of institutions like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, emphasizing his commitment to educational and cultural advancement.

Together, they exemplify the modern philanthropist—a blend of passion, strategy, and a commitment to creating lasting pathways for others to thrive.