Transformational gift will renovate campus space and modernize one of the nation’s leading clinical legal education programs
NEW YORK, NY – Thursday, Oct. 16 – The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law announced today a transformative $6 million commitment from acclaimed musical artist, philanthropist, investor, and Cardozo alumna Kwanza Jones, Class of 1999, together with her partner in life and business, José E. Feliciano. This landmark gift will fund a major renovation and expansion of the school’s clinical education program facilities–one of the most robust in the country–advancing Cardozo’s legacy of service, innovation, and community engagement.
The gift will result in the creation of a new, state-of-the-art facility, which will be named the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Program for Clinical Education. The renovation is slated to begin in 2026 and will create modern office spaces for client meetings, faculty offices, a conference room, and collaborative areas for students. The upgraded facilities will provide a welcoming and dignified space for the various under resourced and vulnerable communities of New York City, and beyond, that are served by Cardozo’s pro bono legal clinics.
Cardozo is delighted to announce that thanks to Kwanza and José’s monumental gift, the law school has exceeded its $50 million Rise Up for Cardozo campaign goal on the eve of our 50th anniversary. Their extraordinary generosity is inspirational, propelling us into our anniversary celebration with renewed energy and vision. As the school reflects on five decades of impact, Kwanza and José’s gift strengthens the school’s commitment to advancing its mission and shaping the next 50 years of legal education.
“This is a transformative gift that will touch the lives of our students for generations,” said Melanie Leslie ’91, Dean of Cardozo School of Law. “Kwanza is a tribute to 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 access to justice and educational equity. We are deeply grateful for their support.”
Cardozo’s clinical program offers students hands-on experience representing clients in courts, mediations, settlements, and business negotiations under faculty supervision. The school operates 11 in-house clinics and 17 field clinics annually, providing essential legal services to underserved communities throughout New York City. These clinics engage students in work related to immigration justice, criminal defense, mediation, housing disputes, civil rights, entrepreneurship, and more.
The new clinic space will transform approximately 6,200 square feet in Cardozo’s building on lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It will house Cardozo’s in-house clinics and provide additional areas for students working in field clinics and numerous externships, serving as the hub for all clinical programming.
Clinics at Cardozo include:
- Civil Rights Clinic
- Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Justice Clinic
- Filmmakers Legal Clinic
- Securities Arbitration Clinic
- Death Penalty and Criminal Defense Clinic
- Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic
- Mediation Clinic
- Benjamin B. Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic
- Full list of clinics
Cardozo’s field clinics represent clients, assist with impact litigation, contribute to policy initiatives, engage in community legal education, and support legislative advocacy.
Kwanza Jones earned her Juris Doctor degree from Cardozo in 1999 and participated in the Mediation Clinic during her time as a student. She went on to become a mediator for New York City civil courts, a motivational speaker, a music artist, and an investor. Together with Feliciano, she co-leads the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, an investment and philanthropic organization focused on education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment.
“Our goal is to boost humans and elevate humanity,” said Jones. “The clinic programs at Cardozo provided me with hands-on, real-world practice that helped me sharpen my skills in problem-solving, mediating conflict, and advocating for justice. It had a lasting influence on my work and life. I’m proud to give back to a law school that supports my vision for a better future.”
Jones remains an active member of the Cardozo community. In February 2024, she was honored at the 14th Annual BALLSA (Black, Asian & Latino Law Students Association) Alumni Celebration for her leadership and commitment to equity. That event raised a record $60,000, funding four scholarships for students who have overcome hardship and contributed to student diversity. In November 2024, she performed a moving rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” at the school’s Kukin Center for Conflict Resolution's Peace Gala in tribute to Professor Lela Love, founder of Cardozo’s Kukin Center for Conflict Resolution, and one of Jones’ mentors during her time at the law school.
Cardozo Law is profoundly grateful to Kwanza and José for their generous gift to the Rise Up for Cardozo campaign. Reaching our $50 million campaign goal is a milestone achievement, and as we celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary, we look ahead to even greater opportunities for lasting impact.
With our campaign goal proudly surpassed, Cardozo remains deeply committed to its core campaign priorities. Ongoing fundraising will continue to strengthen support for our faculty, staff, and students, ensuring that Cardozo stays at the forefront of legal education and meets the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
About the Cardozo Clinical Program
Cardozo School of Law is a national leader in clinical legal education. With 11 in-house clinics, 17 field clinic placements, and numerous partnerships with leading legal organizations spanning from the Bronx Defenders, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to the Tribeca Film Festival, Cardozo provides students with hands-on training that prepares them for careers in advocacy, litigation, mediation, creative industries, and more.
Learn more at: https://cardozo.yu.edu/clinics
About the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative
The Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative is a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, we invest in and partner with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on four pillars – education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Leveraging our legacy of innovation, collaboration, and supercharged energy, we aim to boost communities and empower humanity.
Learn more at: https://jonesfeliciano.com
About Cardozo School of Law
Cardozo School of Law is renowned for its rigorous academics, innovative programs, and commitment to social justice. With a commitment to excellence, our distinguished faculty and dynamic curriculum prepare students for successful careers in a diverse range of legal fields. Cardozo is known for outstanding programs in business and innovation, intellectual property, mediation and dispute resolution, public interest, criminal justice, and clinical education. Our extensive clinical and field training placements are among the most robust in the nation, leveraging our New York City connections for hands-on opportunities.
Learn more at: https://cardozo.yu.edu/about
SUPERCHARGED® by Kwanza Jones
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Morgan Schare
MSchare@GroupGordon.com
(212) 784-5713