Theresa Agonia was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Growing up in a bilingual home as a dual citizen of the United States and Portugal, she grew up involved in opportunities to support Portuguese traditions. She became the first member of her family to graduate from college in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications from Roger Williams University.
Beginning her career in front of the cameras over 10 years ago, Theresa has enjoyed competing on stage and being a role model for young people. Launched in March 2022, she was featured in Apple TV’s season two, episode one of “Dear…” about Viola Davis, documenting the impact Viola’s success had on her upbringing. Additionally, she was Miss Rhode Island USA 2016, accomplishing her lifelong dream to compete at the nationally-televised Miss USA competition; placed in the top 10 in Portugal representing the United States; and placed in the top seven when representing Portugal in Bolivia just last year. Currently, she is the Judges’ Chairperson for Miss Rhode Island USA | Miss Rhode Island Teen USA competition and the Miss New Jersey USA | Miss New Jersey Teen USA pageants.
She considers her passions to be in public service, supporting women’s rights and being a voice for marginalized communities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, booking photoshoots as a freelance model and frequenting Scott’s Fitness to workout and lead a healthy lifestyle.
She currently serves as Chief of External Affairs for Mayor Jorge Elorza in the Capital City of Providence, Rhode Island. As Chief of External Affairs, she manages communications, community engagement strategies, and constituent services. She also manages staff and high-level Mayoral initiatives focused on education, licensing for small businesses, strategic partnerships and the City’s engagement with the United States Conference of Mayors. She currently serves on the Providence Performing Arts Center Board of Directors, is co-founder of the Central Falls Alumni Association and vice-president of the Roger Williams University Alumni Association.