Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavanna Spratt-Bailey.
Shavanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story starts with lived experience. I was born and raised in St. Louis — living in mostly underrepresented and under-resourced areas for the majority of my life. I know all too well how my community is often overlooked and misunderstood. But for me, it was the foundation of everything: the pain, the beauty, the struggle, and the strength.
Motherhood became a major turning point in my life. When I became a mother, I began to truly understand the gaps in support for Black families — from navigating healthcare systems to the isolation and mental toll that too often goes unspoken. Motherhood cracked me open and called me into purpose.
I was inspired to launch Da Hood Talks Podcast in 2020 — a space where real people from real places could share their stories. Through those raw and healing conversations, I realized our community needed more than just a platform. We needed access. We needed support. We needed connection.
That’s what led me to founding Da Hood Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the barriers that Black and under-resourced communities face. Whether it’s through educational initiatives, advocacy, or community-centered events like our Da Link Up series, everything we do is rooted in support, authenticity, and lived experience.
I’m the proud owner of Da Hood Talks Entertainment, home of Da Hood Talks Podcast. Through this platform, I offer a variety of services including:
Podcast Hosting & Production, Event Hosting & Emceeing, Panel Moderation, Event Planning & Coordination, and Speaking Engagements.
I’m also a doula, a full-time Community Engagement Manager, and a proud advocate for health equity. My work spans podcasting, policy tables, healing and wellness, and self-efficacy — but it’s all driven by one personal mission to uplift my people and remind them that we matter.
I didn’t wait for a seat at the table — I built one, with a baby on my hip and a dream in my heart. And now I’m building space for others to rise, heal, and thrive right alongside me.
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?
Not at all — and I wouldn’t expect it to be. The road to building what I’ve created has been layered with personal healing, sacrifice, and a whole lot of faith.
I’ve had to navigate deep personal trauma while trying to show up for my community and my family. I’m a mother, a wife, a full-time professional, and a leader — and balancing all those roles is not easy. There are days I feel pulled in every direction, questioning if I’m doing enough or if I’m pouring from an empty cup. But I keep going because I know my purpose is bigger than the pressure.
The journey hasn’t just been emotional — it’s been logistical. Running a nonprofit and a business without consistent funding or a large team is a challenge in itself. I’ve had to wear every hat: from community engagement to communications, grant writing to event setup. Building partnerships, securing volunteers, and raising money to keep things going while still working a full-time job — it’s exhausting, but it’s real.
Despite all of that, I continue to show up because I believe in the work. I believe in the power of community, storytelling, and creating access to healing and joy for folks who rarely get it. The struggle is unfortunately part of the story-and it’s what keeps me grounded in the mission.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Da Hood Connect is a grassroots nonprofit organization based in St. Louis that exists to reduce the barriers that Black and under-resourced communities face — through education, advocacy, and connection. We specialize in culturally relevant community engagement that centers healing, self-efficacy, and community building.
We’re currently know for our work around community-driven events that bring both joy and resources directly to the people. From our resources sharing efforts to our Annual Arts in Day Park events that provides school supplies, wellness tools, and creative expression — we intentionally design our work to meet folks where they are, in ways that feel accessible, safe, and human.
What sets us apart is our authenticity and lived experience. This isn’t top-down work — it’s community work built by us, for us. Our founder, a Black mother, entrepreneur, and advocate, leds this organization with her own lived experiences and continues to lead with transparency and heart.
We are proud of how we’ve built a trusted space — especially for those who often feel unseen or underserved in traditional systems. Brand-wise, we’re proud that Da Hood Connect is rooted in realness. Our events don’t just check boxes — they build relationships. Our workshops don’t just inform — they affirm. We intentionally blend community voice, storytelling, and culturally responsive care into every offering.
We want readers to know: Da Hood Connect is a connector, a convener, and a catalyst.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting Da Hood Connect was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. I didn’t come from a nonprofit background or have a blueprint laid out — I just knew that my community needed something real, something intentional, and something created by us, for us. Taking the leap to launch this organization, without guaranteed funding or a big team behind me, was scary. And truthfully, every day that I lead this work — while juggling motherhood, marriage, and a full-time job — still feels like a risk.
But I’ve learned that some risks are worth it. And this one is.
When you come from under-resourced communities, you’re often told to play it safe — to stick with what’s comfortable or secure. But I believe that real change requires real courage. For me, this risk wasn’t just about building something for myself — it was about building something that could change lives in my community.
I’ve seen firsthand how one event, one conversation, or one connection through Da Hood Connect can spark hope or healing in someone. That makes every uncertain step worth it. Risk is scary — but it’s also a bridge to transformation. And I truly believe this risk will be life-changing, not just for me, but for those we serve.
Pricing:
- Donation can be submitted here: https://givebutter.com/DaHoodConnectDonations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dahoodconnect.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahoodconnect/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dahoodconnect
- Other: https://linktr.ee/dahoodconnect
