Letina Brady-Pettis
Contact Tina:
lbradypettis@lwvil.org
Director | Issues & Advocacy
Letina “Tina” Brady-Pettis has served on LWV of Illinois’ Board of Directors since June 2023. She is co-chair of the LWVIL Issues & Advocacy Committee.
Tina Brady Pettis is a voting rights advocate, community leader, and author dedicated to educating and empowering youth. Tina has also served on LWV of Chicago’s Board as Director of Issues & Advocacy since 2021. A native of Chicago's South Side, she grew up in a family that emphasized voting, leadership, and community service. Inspired by her father and relatives who fought for voting rights, she developed a strong commitment to civic engagement.
Her commitment to voter access was strengthened when SB 2123 was signed into law, allowing 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote, effective January 1, 2024. She founded Get Out the Vote (GOTV) for Teens and National Teens Voter Registration Day, both initiatives aimed at motivating young people to register and participate in elections.
National Teens Voter Registration Day is an annual movement celebrated on September 10 to encourage teens to engage in the democratic process. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker officially proclaimed September 10, 2024, as Teens Voter Registration Day in recognition of her efforts. She was also honored with resolutions from the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Illinois State Senate, and the United States House of Representatives, declaring September 10, 2024, as Teens Voter Registration Day. These honors highlight the impact of her work in ensuring young people understand their role in democracy and have the tools to take action.
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 young readers 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, which helps children understand leadership and public service. She also wrote "Drew's Gift of Hope," a book about organ donation, and "Roscoe, the Boy Who Loved to Read," which honors her brothers and their lasting impact.
Tina's work has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence Award, Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Community Leader of the Year Award, Zeta Pi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated Leadership Award, and the National Council of Negro Women, Chicago Midwest Section Woman Making History Award. These recognitions reflect her dedication to empowering young people, advocating for voting rights, and making a lasting impact in her community.
Tina is also an active member of several organizations dedicated to advocacy, education, and community service, including The Links, Incorporated, the League of Women Voters of Illinois, the League of Women Voters of Chicago, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Women Veterans United. Through her books and advocacy, Tina remains committed to educating and uplifting young people, ensuring they recognize their voices' power and their role in shaping their communities.