If anyone is gonna have the back of our seniors and veterans, it’s Clara Hubbard.
Known as “Chicago’s Granddaughter” because of her selfless and tireless continuous advocacy of our elders for more than a decade, Hubbard is a community engagement specialist who utilizes her platform to help enhance the quality of life and provide vital resources to our senior class that is often overlooked. Focusing on keeping seniors engaged and active, in 2012, she created Senior Talk at the Movies as well as Senior Days, focused on Senior Social Club activities such as line dancing, stepping, and travel.
Her Senior Talk with Clara Hubbard podcast has taken off since its 2020 launch to become the premier one-stop shop for seniors with a mix of entertainment, information, resources, and the latest news.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Hubbard to learn more about her mission and her passion for our senior community.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Clara Hubbard?
Clara Hubbard: I am a woman who embodies empathy and compassion towards family and community. I understand the importance of caring for others and actively seek ways to uplift the underserved.
What are three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
Compassionate. Resilient. Trailblazer.
How did you find your way to your current career path?
I was working for a major home health agency, and my position was phased out due to state budget cuts. I loved my job and built great relationships with many organizations, but I was shocked to learn that there was not a consistent media platform to address the needs of our country’s most valuable demographic: seniors and veterans. On May 1, 2011, Senior Talk with Clara Hubbard was launched.
Please tell us about your podcast using the same name.
In 2020, the world stopped and paused to reset and regroup when COVID-19 put us all on notice. During this time, many media outlets were uncertain of their programming direction. Senior Talk with Clara Hubbard pivoted to broadcasting on social media to keep our trusted audience engaged and informed on safety protocols and guidelines per the CDC during the pandemic. We also began broadcasting directly on www.clarahubbard.org/live-stream.
What common misconceptions about our senior community that you frequently encounter?
A misconception that frequently gets in the way is that Seniors are not open to learning things or adapting to change.
You also give extra love to Veterans and seniors. Can you tell us about some of your endeavors on their behalf?
I am the proud daughter of a US NAVY Veteran. My father believed that his country would take care of him because he served his country. Unfortunately, many servicemen and women have not received the resources and benefits they are entitled to. My late co-host Alfonso Smith, a US ARMY Veteran, created The Veteran Advocacy Consortium specifically to meet veterans’ needs. This platform allows Senior Talk to serve as a media partner for the Harold Washington American Legion 1987 under the leadership of Commander Frank Thompson lll. Through this partnership, I was given the name “Grand-Daughter at Arms.”
How do you stay inspired in your work?
My inspiration comes from knowing that I am living my God-given assignment to serve “People Getting Better with Age,” and I am trusted by over 5k people who call me Grand-Daughter.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can sing the entire soundtrack to the movie “Claudine.”
Can you name a book that changed or impacted your life and why?
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkerson helped me see that my desires and dreams are waiting for me, and I can make them happen.
Best advice to young people?
Take time for your elders and listen. Their knowledge and wisdom will help you through life’s journey.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
Competition makes us faster; Collaboration makes us greater.
What’s next for Senior Talk with Clara Hubbard?
Senior Talk with Clara Hubbard will continue to work to become a global network focused on senior issues, health advocacy, community news, resources, and entertainment.
For more information on Clara Hubbard, please visit www.clarahubbard.org.
