Hidden Gems: Meet Shonda “Tropikana” Hatch of The Parks Collective, Agency

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda “Tropikana” Hatch.

Hi Shonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, I’m Shonda Hatch — affectionately and professionally known as Tropikana. I am a seasoned broadcaster, author, storyteller, and creative strategist who uses voice and vision to inform, empower, and connect.

I got my start in radio as a teenager on base at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and spent the next two decades growing up on-air throughout the Midwest, including Tulsa, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Augusta, and St. Louis.

Each city added a new layer to my voice and my vision. But no matter where I landed, the mission stayed the same: to use my platform to build community, amplify stories that matter, and create space for real people to feel seen, celebrated, and heard.

Eventually, that mission evolved beyond radio. I founded The Parks Collective, a creative strategy and storytelling agency that helps individuals, organizations, and communities turn their stories into strategy. We design programs, lead campaigns, and curate experiences rooted in education, wellness, leadership, and impact.

From Too Cool For The Room, our youth podcasting academy, to Sis, How Is Your Heart?, what began as a heart health initiative and evolved into a full wellness movement rooted in emotional reset, mindfulness, and community care; everything I create flows from purpose, to amplify the stories of the communities I serve.

I’m a mother. A builder. A published author. A voice for those still finding theirs. And whether I’m behind the mic, designing a curriculum, or leading a conversation, my work is grounded in one truth: storytelling changes everything; especially when it’s done with care, clarity, and purpose.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve spent years navigating a private journey while walking a very public path. Life didn’t stop for the job; not even when my water broke during a live broadcast, in the middle of the street. I finished the show.

What followed was 30 days of broadcasting from labor and delivery, and another 99 days live from the NICU. My son Boogie’s birth, on Christmas Day, at just 1 lb. 10 oz., came with a unique set of career challenges that changed everything. But those challenges also birthed something bigger.

That same year, we turned our story into a movement. We rebranded the station I worked for to Boogie 96.5 and helped raise $1.75 million for Norton Suburban Children’s Hospital through our Radiothon efforts. What started as survival became service. What began as pain turned into purpose.

Obstacles sound wild until you hear the full arc, but that’s the beauty of storytelling. Every trial is just a plot twist. It’s always the perspective of the storyteller that turns chaos into clarity and trials into triumphs.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I run The Parks Collective, a creative strategy and storytelling agency that blends media, education, and community engagement to spark meaningful impact. We design programs, lead campaigns, and curate experiences that bring people together around important issues; from wellness to workforce development, from literacy to leadership.

Our work includes youth media academies, public health initiatives, and immersive events that use storytelling as a tool for connection, learning, and growth. Whether we’re developing curriculum, producing content, or facilitating workshops, our goal is to help people and organizations express who they are, what they value, and why it matters.

We believe that everyone, every community, and every business has a story. When those stories are shared with purpose, they create powerful ripple effects across culture, industry, and everyday life.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books

The Genius Zone by Gay Hendricks: ” A go-to for tapping into creativity, alignment, and living in flow.”

Essentialism by Greg McKeown: ” A reminder to focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.”

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: “A bold and honest take on pushing through resistance in creative work.”

Sis, Check On Your Heart by Lashonda “Tropikana” Hatch: “My wellness guide rooted in real-life reflection, emotional reset, and intentional healing.”

Podcasts

The Daily — my go-to for staying informed without being overwhelmed.

The Deep End with Tyler Welch — thoughtful conversations that dive beneath the surface of faith, culture, and growth.

Everybody’s Crazy with Savannah James — honest, grounded, and refreshing; just like her.

Apps
Notion — my digital headquarters. From creative planning to curriculum building, it keeps everything organized.

Canva — an everyday essential for visual storytelling, quick content, and clean design.

ChatGPT — my brainstorming partner, writing assistant, and strategy sidekick all in one.

Adobe Podcast (AI Speech Enhancer) — for leveling up audio quality, especially on the fly.

Descript — a seamless tool for editing audio and video content; perfect for podcasting and storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtropikana
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tropikana.cincinnati.7
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonda-hatch-306b9281/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TROPIKANA