Theresa Soares, 2022
CV
_______________________BIOGRAPHY
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 a freelance photojournalist, mostly known for her work supporting editors' visual storytelling efforts 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. She is a member of the National Press Photographers Association.
SKILLS
- Photography (Fine Art, Documentary, Contemporary)
- Filmmaking and Video Production
- Business Development and Partnership Cultivation
- Disability Advocacy and Inclusion
- Creative Conceptualization and Art Direction
- Management and Leadership
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Major, Business, Management, and Social Innovation, Minor, Urban Education, Mills College
ASSOCIATIONS
National Press Photographers Association
Center for Photographic Art
LACP: Los Angeles Center of Photography
WORK EXPERIENCE
- RespectAbility - Manager, Strategic Partnerships 2022 - Present
- Miraset Studios - Founder & Creative Director 2019 - Present
- Freelance Photojournalist 2019- Present
- PBS, Corporate Support Underwriting (CSPI Training)- 2018-2019
- Valley PBS Central California - Corporate Development Director 2018-2019
- Gannett, USA Today Network, Key Account Executive 2016-2018
- Harry Singer Foundation, Executive Assistant 2012-2016
RESEARCH AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- Teaching Practicum, Public Interest Radio Reporting, Mills College Fall 2013
- Undergraduate Research Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG), Mills College Fall 2014
- Research Assistant, Distributed Information Systematic Experimentation Group (DISE), Naval Postgraduate School, 2010-2011
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA