Jessica Hubbard still remembers what she saw when her father brought her to his workplace at Legal Aid—an organization that provides legal counsel and support to the underserved. “I have vivid memories of seeing attorneys doing pro bono work for people in desperate need,” Hubbard recalls. “It impacted my entire outlook on life.” After graduating from college, Hubbard gravitated toward the nonprofit sector, first working for the San Francisco Symphony. While there, she volunteered at other nonprofits, including an organization that helped terminally ill artists continue to produce, show, and sell their work. 

Once she and her husband, Josh Kurtz, decided to start a family, they ended up moving to Auburn, for its vibrant community and amazing natural resources. When the opportunity arose to become Placer Community Foundation’s philanthropic services manager, Hubbard could hardly believe her good fortune. The position allowed her to apply her lifelong interest in philanthropy by connecting donors to the charitable causes they care about in their community. Her passion is bringing together philanthropic-minded people—of any means—to make a positive difference. Most recently, she facilitated a Giving Circle of donors who distributed over $40,000 in grants to nine area nonprofits to support the needs of Placer County’s most vulnerable and at-risk youth. “We’re not working with the Bill Gates of the world,” Hubbard explains. “We’re working with school teachers, local business owners, and doctors. By working together, we can make a tremendous impact.”  

By Amber Foster

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff and have more fun!

What comes to you naturally?
Reading people’s body language. It can sometimes help me to be more empathetic to people’s moods and feelings, so I don’t take their words or actions personally.

Biggest life inspirations?
Those who act with compassion for others.

Favorite humanitarian cause?
Support of poor and/or marginalized people in our country.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
Fear regret more than failure.

What’s next?
Continued personal and professional growth; time with treasured friends and family; and traveling.

Favorites

Author/writer

Barbara Kingsolver 

Escape
The beach or the mountains

Guilty pleasure
Freshly baked bread with butter

Local landmark
American River Confluence

Favorite memory
Traveling in Vietnam with family

Movie
Out of Africa

Place to buy a gift, locally
Flower Farm 

Saying
“Actions speak louder than words.”

Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live, and why they should be featured to [email protected].