Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Commit $1.5 Million Philanthropic Investment During Celebration Honoring Bennett College President Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD
Source: Bennett College
Greensboro, NC – Bennett College received a transformative $1.5 million gift commitment from philanthropist, former Board Chair, and honorary alumna Kwanza Jones and her partner in life and business, José E. Feliciano.
The significant contribution—made in honor of Bennett College President Suzanne Walsh and Jones’s mother, Bennett alumna Dorothy Wilkerson Jones, Class of 1965—was announced during A Celebration of Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD: A Champion for Creating Equitable Futures, held April 17, 2025, at the NC A&T Alumni Foundation Event Center. The commitment brings Jones and Feliciano’s total contributions to Bennett to over $3 million, underscoring their enduring belief in education, opportunity, and the College’s mission and future.
For Jones, the philanthropic commitment is part of her venture philanthropy approach – one that blends strategic funding with long-term support, capacity-building, and measurable impact. She and Feliciano made the contribution through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the grantmaking and impact investment organization they co-founded to support nonprofits and businesses advancing education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment.
The event co-chairs for the evening were Bennett College alumna Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, PhD ’71; LaDaniel Gatling, II; and award-winning actress, director, and philanthropist Erika Alexander.
Jones, who was joined on stage by her mother, described the gift as both a call to stewardship and a catalyst for continuity. “Bennett College has been shaping futures for generations. It’s not just any one of us—it’s a collective legacy; it’s all of us,” said Jones. “Stewardship means doing the work—showing up, staying engaged, lifting as we climb, and ensuring Bennett remains a beacon of possibility for generations to come. This commitment honors my mother’s 60th class reunion and helps ensure the transformative initiatives launched under President Walsh’s leadership will continue to thrive.”
The impact announcement was a highlight of an elegant evening that gathered more than 300 guests—including faculty, staff, students, alumnae, trustees, and community members—to honor President Walsh’s six-year tenure. Jewel-toned decor and vibrant florals adorned each table, transforming the NC A&T Alumni Foundation Event Center into a warm and celebratory space. President Walsh, who will conclude her presidency on June 30, 2025, was recognized for her transformative leadership at the helm of the 150+ year-old liberal arts college for women.
Under President Walsh’s leadership, Bennett College emerged debt-free, increased enrollment, achieved an 85%+ retention rate for four consecutive years, and ensured that 63% of its students secured internships leading to graduate studies and career opportunities. She positioned Bennett to be “open to and for the future,” fostering innovation, sustainability, and student success.
“Suzanne Walsh’s leadership strengthened Bennett College in profound and lasting ways,” said former chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees, Senator Robinson. “This celebration honored not only her contributions but also called on all of us to ensure that Bennett continues to thrive for generations to come.”
“When most were doubting Bennett’s existence, Suzanne Walsh was carving new pathways—unapologetic, unafraid, and unwavering in her mission to inspire transformation. She defied convention, shattering boundaries with fearless innovation and audacious creativity. She was the right person at the right time!” said LaDaniel Gatling, II, former vice president for institutional advancement.
“I wasn’t supposed to be here for six years, but I stayed because I love the students, the alums, the faculty, the staff, and the Greensboro community. This is a special place,” said President Walsh. “I want to thank every single one of you for investing deeply in Bennett. That investment has meant the world to all of us. Thank you for the honor of serving as the 19th President of Bennett College, and please—continue to invest in Bennett for the next 150 years.”
“Suzanne Walsh is an Afro-futurist who is extraordinary. She changed this universe bit by bit, person by person, with each decision she made,” Alexander said. “Every time there was a question about the College and its future, she always had a vision that was humongous—you could not help but be inspired by it.”
Funds raised during the celebration will support initiatives that build on Walsh’s legacy, including expanding scholarships, renovating residence halls, and advancing plans for a new science center to promote excellence in STEM education.
As part of the celebration, the Bennett College Board of Trustees presented President Walsh with an antique English crystal cobalt blue bell as a lasting memento of her time at the College.
Cone Health served as Presenting Sponsor for the evening, with Goldman Sachs as the Gold Sponsor. Venue Sponsor was the NC A&T Alumni Real Estate Foundation. Donor Sponsors included Food Lion, North Carolina A&T State University, and Madieu Williams. Supporting Sponsors were Duke Energy, Senator Gladys Robinson, Anesthesiology Consultants of North Carolina, PLLC, Trellis Foundation, Providence Baptist Church, ITG Brands, and RH Barringer. The College extends its deepest gratitude to all sponsors, table sponsors, and attendees whose support made the evening a resounding success.
For more information about Bennett College and ways to support its mission, visit bennett.edu.
About 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. For more information, visit https://jonesfeliciano.com/
