Page 48 - BusinessWest April 27, 2026

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
ARENA • CONVENTION CENTER • THE LANDING
WHERE EVERY SEAT
WHERE EVERY SEAT
IS THE BEST SEAT
IS THE BEST SEAT
FIND YOUR SEAT
TO THE 40 UNDER FORTY CLASS OF 2026, WE LOOK FORWARD TO
TH
CELEBRATING YOU ON JUNE 11 AT OUR CONVENTION CENTER!
- THE MASSMUTUAL CENTER TEAM
1277 MAIN STREET SPRINGFIELD, MA | MASSMUTUALCENTER.COM
1277 MAIN STREET SPRINGFIELD, MA | MASSMUTUALCENTER.COM
A26 2026
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