SOUTH SIDE SPOTLIGHT - MEET JESSICA HATALA!

​Q: What Do you Do for a Living?
A: I am a senior manager at a Healthcare IT firm, Nuance Communications. I get to build products and solutions for nurses & revenue cycle managers as well as lead nationally broadcast webinars for health leaders.
 
Q: Tell Us About Your Family and Pets!
A: I have 5 cats!!! Totally by accident- my neighbors and I noticed a stray cat problem here in Merion Village and have spent the last two years working with Trap Neuter Release projects. A few of the animals chose not to be “released” though and now live with me. I added a cat door so they can come and go as they please and my neighbors and I even built a little tunnel in our fence so our collect 9 cats can visit each other! I also have a 2 nieces and a nephew that I love to pieces and continually surprise me with their creativity and humor.
 
Q: Which Neighborhood Do You Currently Call Home?
A: Merion Village
 
Q: Why Did You Move to Your Neighborhood?
A: I relocated to Columbus from Chicago for a job opportunity but chose Merion Village because I loved the walkability of the neighborhood, the aesthetic quality of the parks, brick streets, and bungalow houses, and the vibe of the neighbors & families all out walking and talking in the evenings.
 
Q: Where Else Have You Lived?
A: Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, and my hometown of Valparaiso IN.
 
Q: South Side Organization(s) Where You Work/Volunteer
A: Pet Promise City Kitty Program (urban TNR) and Current Vice President of the Merion Village Association.
 
Q: How Are You Active in The South Side?
A: I volunteer at the South High football game concession stand, work with neighborhood orgs to host the MVA chili cook off (benefiting the MVA South High Scholarship fund), participate in the MVA Garden Tour and semi-annual yard sale, and grow seedlings for our informal Frebis Ave plant exchange each spring. During the recent quarantine, I’ve been working with a few neighbors to make sure everyone on our street has enough groceries and assistance with errands, prescription pickups, and light chores.
 
Q: What Are Some Causes or Organizations That Are Important to You and Why?
A: Locally, I support the Red Cross through blood drives (donate!). My alumni associations at the University of Chicago and the Indiana Academy are also really important to me. I help out by donating to general scholarship funds and assisting with college application review. Internationally, I support Heifer International- a group that assists families in developing countries start small business and raise farm animals. I also got to volunteer in India recently, at an elephant rehabilitation center with Wildlife SOS.
 
Q: What's Your Favorite Thing About the South Side?
A: The people!! I sit out on my porch in the evenings and have conversations with my neighbors as they walk their dogs or work in their yards. Everyone truly cares about the neighborhood and each other.
 
Q: If You Could Make One Improvement to the South Side, What Would It Be?
A: A connecting bike path from The Alum Creek Trail to the Scioto Trail. I live to bike!
 
Q: What Would You Tell Someone Who May Move to the South Side?
A: Do it! This is a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants, breweries, parks, interesting people and affordable housing. You’ll always have something fun to do.
 
Each week, we will feature at least one individual who lives, works and/or volunteers on the South Side and who helps to build and strengthen our community every day. If you’d like to nominate someone for the spotlight, email us at [email protected].