Letina (Tina) Brady Pettis is a children’s book author, voting rights advocate, and community leader committed to educating and empowering young people. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, she was influenced by her father and family members who fought for voting rights. Their dedication to civic engagement shaped her passion for ensuring that young people understand the power of their voices and the importance of participating in the democratic process.  

Her commitment to voter education was recognized when SB 2123 was signed into law, allowing 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote, which took effect on January 1, 2024. She founded Get Out the Vote (GOTV) 4 Teens and National Teens Voter Registration Day, two initiatives to engage young people in elections. In honor of her work, Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed January 17, 2024, as Get Out the Vote 4 Teens Day.  

In addition, Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation declaring September 10, 2024, National Teens Voter Registration Day, celebrated annually in honor of her father’s birthday. This tribute highlights his influence on her dedication to civic responsibility and voter education.  

Tina’s contributions have been further recognized through resolutions from the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Illinois State Senate, and the United States House of Representatives, officially recognizing September 10, 2024, as National Teens Voter Registration Day. These acknowledgments emphasize the importance of her work in empowering young voters and ensuring they have the resources to make their voices heard.  

Beyond advocacy, Tina is a children’s book author who uses storytelling to introduce young readers to voting, leadership, and civic engagement. Her books, “I Want to Vote” and “I Voted,” received the “International Impact Book Award” for their role in educating children about the voting process. She expanded “Tricee’s Voting Journey” series with “I Want to Serve My Neighborhood” and “I Want to Serve My City,” helping young readers understand leadership roles in their communities. She also honors her brothers with “Drew’s Gift of Hope” and “Roscoe, the Boy Who Loved to Read,” ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.  

Tina’s dedication to youth engagement and community service has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Zeta Tau Zeta, Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Incorporated, Community Leader of the Year Award, Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence Award, She Rocks It Award, the Zeta Pi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Leadership Award, the Top Ladies of Distinction Dorothy J. Fisher Community Service Servant Leader Award, the National Council of Negro Women, Chicago Midwest Section Woman Making History Award, and the National Association of University Women, North Central Section Woman of the Year Award.

She is actively involved in several organizations dedicated to advocacy, education, and community empowerment, including The Links, Incorporated, League of Women Voters of Illinois, the League of Women Voters of Chicago, the National Council of Negro Women, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the National Women Veterans United.

Tina holds a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University, a master’s degree in Legal Studies from Purdue University Global, and a Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.  

Through her books, advocacy, and leadership, Tina remains committed to educating and uplifting young people, ensuring they understand their voices’ power and role in shaping their communities.