
Passion, Purpose, and Partnerships: A Decade-Long Vision
A Vision of Longevity and Purpose
Our visionary co-founders, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano, believe that true impact begins with a long-term vision. At the recent Silicon Valley Bank Catalyst 2045: Innovators & Icons Awards, they shared how their philosophy of "dreaming in decades" shapes their investments, initiatives, and leadership. For them, it’s not about immediate returns but about planting seeds that grow into systemic change over time. This mindset challenges the status quo and inspires others to prioritize sustainable growth and meaningful contributions.
Dreaming in decades is about investing intentionally, planting seeds, and building opportunities beyond what we see today.
Passion and Curiosity as Drivers of Change
Passion and curiosity lie at the core of Kwanza and José’s approach to creating lasting impact. As José explained at the event, passion fuels perseverance. When faced with challenges, passion pushes you to keep going, and curiosity propels you to keep learning. "You can’t pay for passion," Kwanza added, highlighting that genuine enthusiasm and a growth mindset are irreplaceable in achieving long-term success.
You need to reflect on what excites and motivates you. Align your goals with your passions and let curiosity guide your learning and growth. This combination ensures that your efforts not only sustain but also thrive over time.
Turning Dreams into Impact
One defining example of their "dreaming in decades" philosophy began with a walk in Central Park. Armed with a sketchbook and colored pencils, Kwanza and José took a day to envision their future. They didn’t focus on financial goals. Instead, they asked a more profound question: “What impact do we want to create in the world?”
This exercise became a cornerstone of their ethos. Dollars are tools, not destinations. By framing goals around impact rather than income, they’ve fostered a mindset that prioritizes meaningful change. This approach is evident in their investments in people, ideas, and organizations that align with their vision for equity and empowerment.
Amplifying Impact Through Partnerships
"No one succeeds alone," is a mantra that drives Kwanza and José’s efforts to build meaningful collaborations. Whether investing in underrepresented founders or partnering through other initiatives, their focus is on creating opportunities that amplify collective impact.
Intentionality is key. They seek partners who align with their values and bring complementary strengths to the table. Their work demonstrates the power of intersectionality—connecting diverse perspectives to unlock innovation and expand possibilities.
Scaling Impact with Strategic Investments
Over the years, Kwanza and José have committed nearly $200 million to initiatives that drive systemic change. While some of these investments focus on underrepresented communities, their approach is intentional but not exclusive. "We must have intersections and partnerships," Kwanza emphasized. This means having collaborations that bring together diverse people, ideas, and perspectives to create innovative solutions and shared opportunities.
Kwanza and José see untapped potential in areas others often overlook. By investing in diverse fund managers and founders, they’ve not only addressed inequities but also identified opportunities for outsized returns.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Looking ahead, Kwanza and José’s vision for the next decade is rooted in people. Their commitment extends beyond financial capital to include investments in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and team growth.
By aligning their mission and values with their team’s growth, they’re ensuring that their impact continues to scale—creating a legacy that inspires future generations to dream big and act boldly.
Dream in Decades, Act Today
The philosophy of dreaming in decades challenges you to look beyond the immediate and envision a future built on passion, intentionality, and collaboration. Kwanza and José’s journey demonstrates that true impact comes from aligning your goals with your values and taking deliberate actions to build a better world.
Dreaming in decades isn’t just about imagining what’s possible—it’s about taking action today to make it a reality.
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