Theresa Agonia was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. She grew up involved in opportunities to support Portuguese traditions and was the first member of her family to graduate from college in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications from Roger Williams University. Theresa was Miss Rhode Island USA 2016.

She considers her passions to be in public service, supporting women’s rights and being a voice for marginalized communities.

Theresa currently serves as Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Jorge Elorza in the Capital City of Providence, Rhode Island, where she manages community engagement strategies and the City’s annual events calendar.