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

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano's Transformative Gift

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing legal education and community engagement, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano have pledged a remarkable $6 million to the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. This donation, announced on November 12, 2025, is set to revolutionize the school's clinical education program and facilities, ensuring that future generations of law students will benefit from both a high-quality education and comprehensive engagement with New York City's diverse communities.

The donation will lead to the creation of a state-of-the-art facility that will be named the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Clinical Education Program. This new space will include modern offices for faculty, collaborative work areas, and dignified meeting rooms designed for client interactions. Such significant upgrades are expected to empower Cardozo’s students and faculty, providing them with the essential resources needed to pursue vital public interest legal work.

Kwanza Jones, a proud alumna of Cardozo's Class of 1999, highlights the importance of practical, real-world experiences in legal education. Having participated in the mediation clinic during her studies, Jones has spoken candidly about how this experience shaped her approach to conflict resolution and advocacy for justice. "The clinic program at Cardozo provided me with invaluable real-world practice, helping me hone my skills in problem-solving, conflict mediation, and justice advocacy," she remarked. "It left a lasting impact on my career and life. I am immensely proud to give back to an institution that supported my vision for a better future."

This commitment from Jones and Feliciano goes beyond mere financial support; it represents their deep-rooted connection to Cardozo and the broader community. Their philanthropic efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, as evidenced by Jones’s recognition at the annual BALLSA (Black, Asian, and Latinx Law Students Association) alumni celebration for her leadership and dedication to equity. In 2024, this event raised a record $60,000 to fund scholarships for students overcoming various challenges, thereby promoting diversity within the student body.

The ripple effects of this investment are expected to extend far beyond the campus walls. By expanding opportunities for students engaged in meaningful clinical work, the law school strengthens its ability to provide pro bono legal services, safeguard rights, and affirm the dignity of those in need.

Dean Melanie Leslie of Cardozo Law expressed her gratitude for the transformative nature of this gift, stating, "This is a gift of monumental significance that will affect the lives of generations of students. Kwanza embodies the spirit of Cardozo. Throughout her career, she has challenged herself and others to create opportunities and inspire change. She and José share a vision for justice and educational equity, and we are incredibly grateful for their support."

Through their initiative, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are dedicated to empowering people and fostering positive societal change through a focus on education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their $6 million commitment to Cardozo is not only a continuation of their philanthropic legacy but also a powerful extension of their mission to strengthen institutions and uplift communities, paving the way for a brighter future.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are business and life partners who founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative in 2014—a private family office committed to creating a meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic investments. With a focus on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment, they invest in and collaborate with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. They firmly believe that access to capital can drive inclusive opportunities, having personally poured over $250 million into these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard-charting artist, investor, and speaker, whose leadership extends to several nonprofit and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. Her dynamic presence inspires creativity and vigor across various platforms.

José E. Feliciano is a co-founder and managing partner at Clearlake Capital, as well as a board member for several prestigious institutions, reflecting his commitment to educational and cultural advancement. His role in leadership further establishes the philanthropic goals of the couple.

Together, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano exemplify the spirit of giving back and are changing lives through their dedicated work and impact-driven initiatives.