Edition #64
September 2, 2026
Welcome to The W Profile, a study of the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. As college athletics adopts professional structures, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. By bringing C-Suite lessons to the athletics community, this series will provide leaders with the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.
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Introduction
In the elite, historically homogeneous circles of Major League Baseball ownership, the path to the principal owner's suite is rarely paved with hit dance records, dispute resolution degrees, and massive, system-shifting philanthropic ventures. Kwanza Jones completely shattered that mold. In August 2026, Major League Baseball unanimously approved Jones and her husband, José E. Feliciano, as the new principal owners of the San Diego Padres following a record-breaking $3.9 billion transaction, making her the first Black woman to serve as a majority owner of an MLB franchise.
She is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and long-horizon stewardship of the franchise. Her leadership is defined by an incredibly unconventional, multi-disciplinary background, a fierce commitment to creating economic mobility through strategic capital, and a philosophy that a sports franchise should act as an active, cultural engine for its surrounding community.
From the Apollo Theater to the Front Office
Jones’s executive pedigree is defined by her refusal to be confined to a single discipline. A former NCAA Division I track and field athlete at Princeton University, her career spans entertainment, law, and high-level investing. She started her professional journey in dispute resolution and even served as an adjunct professor at NYU teaching negotiation.
Simultaneously, she built a successful music career, winning Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, releasing multiple albums through her independent label, and charting on Billboard's Dance/Club Play lists. Rather than treating these ventures as disconnected phases, Jones weaponized this diverse experience. In 2014, she co-founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, serving as CEO. Through this family office, she leveraged her understanding of media, negotiation, and culture to direct massive investments across sports (including minority stakes in the Minnesota Timberwolves), private markets, and mission-aligned platforms, setting the stage for the monumental acquisition of the Padres.
The Jones Playbook
Jones approaches executive leadership and sports ownership with a strategy that treats capital and culture as inextricably linked forces. Her playbook encompasses three critical pillars:
➤ Intentional Capital Allocation: Jones does not invest passively; she uses capital to force institutional change. This was famously demonstrated by her historic $20 million donation to Princeton University. When she felt the institution was ignoring her initial outreach, she recognized that writing an undeniable check was required to secure a seat at the table. She applies this same aggressive, intentional investment strategy to expanding access and supporting women’s sports.
➤ The "Supercharged" Philosophy: Through her organization SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, she utilizes content, live experiences, and cultural collaborations to move people from "inspiration to action." She views sports ownership through this exact lens: the Padres are not just a baseball team, but a massively scalable platform to drive civic engagement, economic mobility, and community impact in San Diego.
➤ Engaged, Long-Horizon Stewardship: In taking control of the Padres, Jones and Feliciano explicitly stated their intention to be "engaged owners." Rather than acting as distant financiers, they bring a hands-on, long-term approach to the franchise, emphasizing that building an enduring, championship-capable organization requires the same patience and disciplined investment that builds generational family wealth.
Lessons on Intersectionality and Leverage
Jones has built a groundbreaking career on the philosophy that you do not need to separate your creative passions from your corporate ambitions. She leads with the belief that the lessons learned from writing a song, negotiating a legal dispute, or competing on the track all compound to create a more formidable, adaptable executive.
Crucially, she understands the harsh realities of leverage. Her public reflections on philanthropy highlight a profound awareness of how money dictates access in elite spaces. Her success proves that true executive power comes from recognizing exactly what currency is required to open a door, and then using that position to build a wider, more inclusive infrastructure for those who follow.
Takeaways
➤ Diversity of Experience is a Moat: Jones’s background in law, music, and academia proves that non-traditional career paths build highly adaptable executives capable of seeing opportunities that rigid, single-industry lifers often miss.
➤ Capital Demands Attention: Her experience with major collegiate philanthropy highlights a stark corporate reality: sometimes, securing influence and enacting change requires the willingness to deploy massive, undeniable capital to force the issue.
➤ Sports as a Civic Engine: By explicitly tying the Padres’ future to community engagement and economic mobility, she demonstrates that modern sports ownership is fundamentally a civic responsibility, not just a localized entertainment business.
➤ Engaged Ownership Accelerates Growth: Her commitment to being an active, visible steward of the franchise signals that elite modern owners cannot simply write checks; they must actively inject their energy and strategic perspective into the daily culture of the organization.
Read. Watch. Listen.
READ: Coverage of her historic acquisition of the San Diego Padres in the San Diego Union-Tribune, detailing the record-breaking $3.9 billion transaction and her milestone as the first Black female majority owner in MLB history. (link)
WATCH: Her introductory press conference at Petco Park in August 2026, where she and Feliciano outline their specific vision for honoring the legacy of the late Peter Seidler while injecting new energy and ambitious investment into the franchise. (link)
LISTEN: Her appearance on T.I.’s ExpediTIously podcast, where Jones candidly discusses her massive philanthropic gifts to both Princeton and HBCUs, and the blunt realities of using wealth to force institutions to pay attention. (link)
Quote to Remember
We are a family first, and becoming owners of the San Diego Padres means joining an even larger one. … We have built our life and our work together, and we will bring that same shared purpose, commitment, and determination to our stewardship of the Padres. Our ambition is clear: to bring a World Series championship to San Diego and build an enduring organization capable of competing for championships year after year.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Charlene Polite Corley – Vice President of Diverse Insights & Partnerships, Nielsen
Publication Date: Sunday, August 30
Michelle Zatlyn – Co-Founder, President, and Co-Chair, Cloudflare
Publication Date: Wednesday, August 26
Jess Smith – President, Golden State Valkyries
Publication Date: Sunday, August 23
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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)
(NEW!) Senior Director/Director, Game Presentation - Marketing & Promotions (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the strategic vision and planning of the in-venue entertainment experience for assigned sports. Responsible for end-to-end production leadership and execution of live game presentation elements. More details HERE.
Assistant Track & Field Throwing Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for recruiting and coaching throwers for the Men's/Women's Track & Field program within established college, A-R-C and NCAA guidelines. More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Account Executive drives revenue and achieves predetermined sales goals related to securing and retaining football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey ticket and hospitality revenue. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience is the primary fan experience/marketing contact for assigned sports, overseeing promotional planning, game presentation, and campus/community outreach. More details HERE.
Operations Manager (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations for Joyce Center, along with leadership for facility operations, maintenance, event logistics, and administrative functions. More details HERE.
Director of Aquatics (Trinity University – Texas / San Antonio, TX): Responsible for operating, staffing, maintaining, and oversight for Hixon Natatorium and the outdoor pool. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Development (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Serve as a professional in the Athletic Department to cultivate & solicit former student athletes & coaches, alumni, parents, friends, community members, foundations & corporations for contributions. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations (SUNY New Paltz / New Paltz, NY): The Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations serves as the department's lead administrator for operational needs and event management. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer - 10-month Position (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Assists in the oversight of all aspects of health care for Loras College student-athletics within the guidelines set forth by Loras College, the American Rivers Conference, and the NCAA Division III. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Live Events & Video Services (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Execution of live events by overseeing equipment, ideation, and the creative process in preparation of graphics and videos. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive the Arizona Athletics brand through strategic storytelling, media relations, digital content, and championship-caliber communications that inspire fans and stakeholders. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's & Women's Tennis, Part Time (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Assist Head Tennis Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs in all aspects to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's and Women's Cross Country & Women's Track (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Work in conjunction with the Head XC/Track & Field Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Cross Country and Track & Field (Cleveland State University / Cleveland, OH): Serve as the Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach for our Women program nesseled in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More details HERE.
Director of Compliance & Governance (Pac-12 Conference / San Ramon, CA): The Director of Compliance and Governance plays a critical role in supporting and administering the Pac-12 Conference’s NCAA and Conference compliance programs. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.
Athletic Assistant Director of Compliance (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Oversees athletic compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations; monitors adherence, provides training, and supports development and implementation of compliance policies. More details HERE.
Assistant Equipment Manager (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Procuring, supervising, and maintaining uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and support staff, ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and maintained. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Provides care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and related problems in cadet-athletes. Assumes primary responsibility for assigned team - Men's Soccer. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Performs volleyball coaching and management activities, including recruitment of student-athletes in a National Collegiate Athletic Association--Division III intercollegiate Men's Volleyball program. More details HERE.
Coordinator, Creative Video & Reporter (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Developing, producing, and executing original multimedia content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Army West Point Athletics. More details HERE.
Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support, & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA, & conference regulations. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Intercollegiate Programming (Princeton University / Princeton, NJ): As the primary scheduler, the coordinator issues contracts for varsity contests, serves as game day event ops manager, provides support to Director, and coordinates the use of Teamworks for Athletics. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletic Compliance (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Manages day-to-day compliance operations for 4 NCAA Division I sports. This role leads the admissions, VISA/ I-20 logistics and initial eligibility certification for all sports. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly Athletics is seeking an experienced athletics marketing professional to join our team. More details HERE.
Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services (Colgate University / Hamilton, NY): A critical role within Colgate Athletics' student-athlete holistic support structure, primarily overseeing athletics eligibility and institutional services supporting the student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Director, Social Media & Digital Content (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Turn moments into movements. Lead Arizona Athletics' social media strategy and digital storytelling to connect, engage, and grow the Wildcat community. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis serves as a key financial contributor responsible for operational execution and analytical oversight of the department's financial activities. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Manages daily operations and financial impact of sport team activities in assigned area and oversees the coordination of travel for intercollegiate athletics Teams, etc... More details HERE.