Bella Bautista
Founder & Executive Director | Cartersville, Georgia
Bella Bautista is a nationally recognized advocate, community organizer, and Founder and Executive Director of This Doesn’t Define Me. From Cartersville, Georgia, Bella works to expand access to practical support and leadership opportunities in rural communities across the Southeast.
Bella’s experience following a PTSD diagnosis inspired her to establish TDDM and strengthened her commitment to improving access to mental health care and substance use treatment and recovery services. She understands how difficult seeking help can be and believes people should be able to find support within the communities they call home.
Under her leadership, TDDM supports young adults ages 18 and older through direct assistance, community partnerships, and mentorship. Her work has helped expand access to free HIV self-test kits, affirming garments, hygiene supplies, and assistance with urgent everyday needs. Through culturally relevant organizing, she also helps young adults build the skills, relationships, and confidence to become leaders in their own communities.
Bella’s commitment to rural communities extends to protecting local land and resources. She has organized alongside residents seeking transparency around large development proposals and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their homes, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Her experiences as a Mexican transgender woman inform a broad commitment to public service. Across her work, Bella brings people together to address immediate needs and strengthen their ability to shape the future of their communities.
