Theresa, who is from a Portugese family, is a graduate of Roger Williams University, where she majored in Media Communications. She works as a Deputy Chief of Staff for Providence mayor Jorge Elorza. She was second runner-up in 2014, 4RU in 2013, 3RU in Teen in 2009, as well as a Miss semi-finalist in 2012 and Teen SF in 2008.
Malia was competing in Miss RI Teen USA for the first time and is a former Miss Teen Italia.
Photos by Daniel Gagnon