Company: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, Newtown, CT
Company Description: Created in 2013, the sanctuary honors the life of Catherine Violet Hubbard, a six-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy and passionate animal lover. Through educational curriculum, workshops, programs to help senior pet owners, and a commitment to land conservation, the sanctuary continues to make remarkable strides to keep animals free from harm in homes and native habitats.
Nomination Category: Thought Leadership Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Thought Leader of The Year - Association, Government or Non-Profit
 Nomination Title: Jennifer Hubbard, President of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 198 words used.
Jennifer Hubbard is the President and CEO of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, founded in memory of her daughter Catherine, who tragically lost her life in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. A graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Jennifer transitioned from a successful corporate career to creating a powerful legacy of healing and compassion.
Under her leadership, the sanctuary has achieved extraordinary milestones: securing a 34-acre state land conveyance, raising over $9 million, launching programs reaching 150,000 and keeping hundreds of animals in loving homes. Her innovative approach transforms personal tragedy into a national platform for hope and healing.
Jennifer is an accomplished author and speaker with her book "Finding Sanctuary" winning multiple awards. Featured on national media platforms including the Today Show, CBS News, ABC News, and the Kelly Clarkson Show, she is a sought out motivational influencer and speaker across the nation.
Her work has earned prestigious recognition including the Helen B. Woodward Animal Sanctuary's Animal Champion, AFP Crisis Hero, Alumni Achievement and GS of CT’s Courage Confidence and Character Awards. Through the sanctuary, Jennifer has created a transformative model of compassion that honors her daughter's memory while supporting animals, humans, and the environment.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the nominee's thought leadership achievements since January 1, 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Achievements in sanctuary services:
· Increased low-cost programming by 20%, reaching 2,000+ children/adults.
· Taught 412 students through on-site school programs.
· Senior Paw Project expanded to second state of Massachusetts.
· 9 corporations for environmental impact days, logging 2,900+ volunteer hours.
· Offered fully inclusive event featuring educational programs and pet adoptions, welcoming 22,000 guests within four hours. .
· Placed 225 homeless companion animals.
· Property designation certified firefly habitat.
· Commenced construction of sanctuary’s first educational facility.
Accolades/Awards:
· 2023 Bridgeport Dental Association Outstanding Citizen Award. Recognizing distinguished efforts for Fairfield County.
· 2024 PAWSitively Good Award for dedication to animal welfare/human empathy.
· 2024 featured on “Seeking Sunshine” on ABC News, "Heart of America” on CBS with Nora O'Donnell, the Kelly Clarkson Show.
· 2024 Blue Buffalo award of $10,000 towards the sanctuary for helping animals and bringing community together.
· 2024 Connecticut State proclamation from Governor Lamont stating, “The sanctuary’s efforts have served as a beacon for fostering empathy and promoting harmonious coexistence among all beings thereby enriching communities and contributing to the betterment of society at large.”
Speaking Engagements:
· 2024 Legatus Summit Session Leader, Dana Point, CA:
· +500 attendees
· Recognized as among top five speakers
· 2024 Catholics at the Shore Commencement Speaker, Avalon, NJ
· 200 attendees
· 2024 Dioscene Fiscal Management Conference Opening Remarks San Diego, CA
· +700 attendees
· 2023-2024 Keynote Speaker | Legatus National Chapters | Resiliency Leadership Series (19 Chapters)
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 210 words used.
Jenny Hubbard's leadership as president of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has established it as a nationally recognized beacon of compassion, innovation, and empathy. Despite having only four employees and no permanent infrastructure on the 34-acre property, the sanctuary's programs and services supporting humans, animals, and the environment have grown exponentially since its inception.
Hubbard's approach is unique in the animal welfare sector. While many organizational leaders focus on a single aspect, such as animal welfare or education, Hubbard takes an all-inclusive stance that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal welfare, education, and environmental stewardship. This holistic strategy has proven effective in demonstrating how these systems must work in synergy to benefit our world.
The sanctuary's impact is evident in its rapidly increasing attendance, highlighting the growing demand for humane and compassionate learning. As of spring 2025, the construction of the sanctuary's first educational facility will enable year-round programming expansion, further amplifying its reach and impact.
Hubbard's thought leadership has garnered national and international attention with her story featured in top news outlets. In a world often dominated by negative news and divisiveness, Hubbard's work serves as an inspiring example of approaching challenges through a lens of compassion and kindness, influencing positive change one human and animal at a time.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 142 words used.
Attached, you will find supporting materials that substantiate the claims made in this nomination, providing a comprehensive view of impactful achievements. The documentation includes:
· Video introducing the CVH Animal Sanctuary that she started
· Video recapping the sanctuary’s 2024 highlights and achievements.
· 2024 At-A-Glance highlighting statistics
· Links to news stories and features like the recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
· Link to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary website.
· Video from Senator Richard Blumenthal about Jenny’s remarkable work.
· Video from Jane Goodall about Jenny’s legacy for Catherine
· Video showing progress on Catherine’s Learning Barn – the sanctuary’s first educational facility.
· Finding Sanctuary book cover- new picture with award badge
· Curriculum Vitae
In summary, the attached materials and links serve as evidence to Jenny Hubbard’s transformative impact, growth, thought leadership and industry recognition.
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