We recently connected with Shonda “Tropikana” Hatch and have shared our conversation below.
Shonda “Tropikana”, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I think I found my purpose early. I just called it a hobby back then. I’ve always believed your purpose is tied to what you love most, long before you understand its weight.
As a child, I never met a stranger. From flying kites along the Rhine River in Mainz Kastel, West Germany, to years later flying kites with my own child on the banks of the Ohio in Over the Rhine, Cincinnati, I was shaped by people, places, and the stories they carried. I learned early that stories create belonging and help people connect.
That curiosity began with reading and writing short stories as a kid and grew as I learned to listen, learn, and celebrate the stories of the communities I served.
As a creative, I learned something early on. Creation begins with what you say. If you can imagine a story and speak it out loud, you can begin to create it. That is the power of story. It gives shape to what we believe is possible.
That love for stories carried me into more than twenty years in broadcasting across the United States, where I listened in real time and helped stories be heard and honored. Over time, I realized stories do more than entertain. They shape identity, create connection, and help people see themselves and one another more clearly.
My purpose has always been to use my voice to educate, uplift, and empower, and to be a bridge between people, places, and ideas with humanity and dignity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I design storytelling as strategy. My work helps organizations and communities clarify who they are, how they’re seen, and how they move forward with intention. At The Parks Collective, storytelling isn’t decoration. It’s infrastructure. When narrative is clear, culture strengthens, alignment improves, and impact lasts.
What makes this work special is its focus on connection and continuity. I build bridges between people, purpose, and performance, creating spaces where individuals feel seen and organizations can operate with clarity and care. Whether through speaking, writing, or program design, the goal is always sustainable growth rooted in humanity and dignity.
The Parks Collective is expanding its work in literacy, leadership, wellness, and workforce development, with a growing focus on youth storytelling and education through books and community-based programs. We also partner with organizations that understand culture is not a side project. It’s a leadership responsibility.
At its core, my brand is about using voice responsibly, building with intention, and creating work that holds up over time. Stories shape behavior, trust, and identity. When they’re designed well, they don’t just inspire. They move people and organizations forward.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have had the greatest impact on my journey: curiosity, the ability to listen, and integrity.
Curiosity kept me learning. It pushed me to read widely, ask better questions, and understand people and systems beyond the surface. For anyone early in their journey, curiosity is something you can practice. Stay open. Learn outside your lane. Don’t rush to have the answer before you understand the question.
Listening shaped how I lead and create. Years in broadcasting taught me that influence doesn’t come from speaking the most, but from understanding deeply. Listening builds trust and helps you create work that actually serves people. My advice is to slow down, pay attention, and let people finish their thoughts. That skill alone will set you apart.
Integrity has been the anchor. It guided my decisions, my standards, and what I chose to walk away from. Integrity is about knowing what you value and honoring it consistently, even when it’s inconvenient. Early on, define what you will not compromise. That clarity will save you time, energy, and misalignment later.
Those three qualities continue to guide my work today and have shaped not just my career, but the kind of impact I want to leave.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients and collaborators are people and organizations who understand that perspective and narrative communication are not side projects. They’re leadership responsibilities. They value clarity, integrity, and long-term impact, and they’re willing to do the work thoughtfully rather than chasing quick wins or surface-level narratives.
I work best with leaders who care deeply about people, community, and alignment, and who see narrative communication as a strategic tool for connection, trust, and growth. Whether it’s a nonprofit, institution, brand, or creative partner, the strongest relationships are rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to building something that lasts.
If you’re looking to create work that is human, intentional, and sustainable, there’s likely room for us to build together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parkscollective.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IamTropikana
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonda-h-306b9281
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
