Ali Haqq
Center Coordinator, Department of Elder Affairs: Age 38
Ali Haqq has plenty on his plate when it comes to his role overseeing daily operations at the Hungry Hill Senior Center in Springfield.
Those responsibilities include connecting seniors with food stamps, a brown bag program, and other vital resources; offering a technology assistance program where they can learn how to use a computer, access basic programs, and navigate the internet; overseeing activities ranging from a bowling program to arts and crafts; and generally handling administrative work, assisting with marketing, and supervising the center’s volunteers … just to name a few.
What all that boils down to, he said, is forging positive relationships and improving clients’ quality of life. “What I find most gratifying is connecting with the seniors and learning from them — understanding where they’re coming from and knowing they’re just like you and me.”
Haqq has been involved in senior services for 13 years, as an activity director for seven of them. “I love learning from our seniors,” he added. “I call them our wisdom community.”
He even elevates older people through the media company he launched in 2019, Ali Productions Entertainment. For instance, he’s the lead organizer of an annual senior brunch, started in 2023, where he presents the Pillars of the Community Awards, honoring local elders for their lifelong contributions and leadership.
But Ali Productions goes far beyond that, he said. “I wanted to create a platform focused on the arts, culture, and community-centered entertainment.”
Deeply committed to the community, in just the last five years, Haqq has served as president of Springfield Pride; launched a Holiday Brunch Toy Drive, recognizing organizations and individuals who give back during the holiday season; served as entertainment coordinator for the Hickory Street Harambee Committee, which supports culturally rooted programming and community unity; served as LGBTQ outreach coordinator for Out Now, strengthening engagement, visibility, and access to resources for LGBTQ+ residents; executive produced The Real Creatives of Springfield, the first reality TV show based in the City of Homes, spotlighting local creatives, entrepreneurs and changemakers; and served as network coordinator for Union Capital Springfield.
He has also served as board committee member for the Alzheimer’s Walk, chief diversity officer for Springfield Mass Studios, and a board member for both Upper Hill Neighborhood Council and Make-It Springfield. He’s also campaign manager for Nicole Coakley, who is running for state representative in the 11th Hampden District.
Yet, somehow, Haqq still has time to connect with senior citizens — and learn something new from them each day.
—Joseph Bednar
