Theresa Soares is specialized as a photographer, artist, filmmaker, and disability advocate. Her artistic practice includes the creation of both fine art documentary and contemporary photography and integrated new media art with roots in abstract constructivism and impressionism. Separately, Theresa is also an independent photojournalist, known for her work in the Central California region. Commercially, In 2019 Soares founded Miraset Studios, an independent media company, active in branded, film and television production.
Theresa also serves in a business development capacity, overseeing strategic partnerships, for RespectAbility, a diverse, disability-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Theresa joined RespectAbility in 2022, where she initially helped lead efforts to continue consulting and program engagement with studios, broadcasters, streamers, and production companies interested in disability inclusion behind the camera.
Soares has previously served as the Corporate Development Director for PBS in Central California, where she oversaw corporate development underwriting and sponsorships including notable collaborations with Ken Burn’s “Country Music,” Nature “American Spring Live,” and the National Sikh Campaign’s development of public service announcements. While serving in this role, Theresa also completed the Corporate Support Performance Initiative (CSPI) Training, conducted by PBS, which focuses on developing leaders knowledgeable in underwriting and funding public media projects.
Soares obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mills College where she experienced an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum merging intermedia art and community-based journalism. She participated in the Public Interest Radio Program, in partnership with KALW, and the Center for Urban Schools and Partnerships in Oakland California where she covered stories in Oakland public schools and churches — on the streets concerning community issues related to persistent social inequities.Theresa resides in Central California where she enjoys spending time exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains and coast near her hometown of Pacific Grove.
EXPERTISE
Multimedia Storytelling, photography, video, and audio capture
Unit Photography, publicity, still photography and BTS
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Major, Business, Management, and Social Innovation, Minor, Urban Education, Mills College
- National Press Photographer's Association, Mentee 2024
- Mountain Workshop, Western Kentucky University, October 2023
- Staging the Cinematic Image, Maine Media, Workshops and College, August 2023
- Beam Studios, Warehouse Workshops, Van Nuys, July 2022
ASSOCIATIONS
National Press Photographers Association
Center for Photographic Art
LACP: Los Angeles Center of Photography
EXHIBITION AND AUTHORSHIP
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Greene Kentucky November 2023-January 2024
Hopewell Museum, Paris Kentucky, Bourbon County Fall 2024-Fall 2025
Theresa Soares 2023
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA