Tatiana Led Her Community to Register to Vote

Who’s that girl?

It’s Tatiana Bell! A college student who aimed to make a huge splash in her community. And we seriously STAN.

Tatiana joined our Voter Catalyst Network (VCN) in July, and ICYMI the VCN called on young leaders to help their peers and neighbors get registered to vote in the 2024 General Election. Members were able to plan and host a voter registration event, attend voter education meetings, and in Tatiana’s case, win a trip to NYC to attend DoSomething’s Election Night Party.

Tatiana began organizing voter registration drives during her first year at FAMU. As a student leader and campus ambassador, she saw opportunities to incorporate voter registration into events like orientation week, student government meetings, and social media campaigns. Period!

Let’s dive into Tatiana’s time as a leader in VCN, how she empowered her community, and what she plans to do beyond that.

What inspired you to join DoSomething’s Voter Catalyst Network (VCN)?

I was inspired to join DoSomething’s Voter Catalyst Network because of my passion for empowering young people to use their voices and drive meaningful change. As a college student at an HBCU, I’ve witnessed how underrepresented communities often feel overlooked in the political process. Joining VCN was my way of helping to bridge that gap and show my peers that our voices genuinely matter.

Can you share with us the methods you used to encourage people in your community to register to vote?

I found that meeting people where they are—both physically and digitally—was vital. I partnered with campus organizations to host events that combined entertainment with education, like block parties, where we offered voter registration alongside music and giveaways. I also created informational posts and stories on Instagram and TikTok to reach students who weren’t as active on campus. Social media was the most effective tool for reaching my peers. Many students are constantly scrolling, so creating eye-catching and relatable content helped spark conversations about voter registration. In-person events were also influential because they allowed us to have one-on-one conversations and answer questions in real-time.

Did you face any challenges with getting young eligible voters registered?

One of the biggest challenges was addressing misinformation. Many students believed they couldn’t register if they didn’t know their voting district or weren’t sure about where they’d be during the election. Some peers expressed skepticism, saying things like, “One vote doesn’t make a difference.” I countered that by sharing stories of close election results and emphasizing how collective action drives change. Showing them how issues like student loans, housing, and campus safety are directly influenced by elected officials helped connect voting to their everyday lives.

As a VCN member, you’ve likely seen the impact of youth-driven voter engagement. What role do you think young people can play in shaping the future of our elections?

Young people are the catalysts for change. We bring fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a strong sense of community to the table. By organizing, educating, and advocating, we can influence policies that align with our values and priorities.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to see in future elections for Gen Z?

I hope to see higher voter turnout, greater representation of diverse voices, and more candidates addressing issues that directly affect us, like climate change, education reform, and social justice. I also want to see Gen Z leverage our digital influence to make elections more accessible and inclusive for everyone

We know you’re extremely active in your community and school, an entrepreneur, and a budding influencer but what’s next for Tati B? Any exciting ventures or activities coming up for you you’d like to share?

I’m preparing to graduate in May 2025, and I’m currently exploring opportunities to expand my brand, Belle Luxe Media, to support even more students in leadership and professional development. I’m also planning a series of beauty and self-care workshops on campus to empower students while promoting wellness.