R.I.’s Theresa M. Agonia to represent Portugal at beauty pageant in Bolivia

CENTRAL FALLS – After being crowned Miss Elegância last month at the Miss Portuguesa Pageant in Casino do Estoril outside of Lisbon, Rhode Island’s Theresa M. Agonia will now travel to Bolivia to represent Portugal at the Reina Hispanoamericana beauty pageant on Oct. 30.

Based in the city of Santa Cruz, the annual beauty pageant celebrates Hispanic heritage, language and culture. Although originally restricted to countries in South America, the pageant now welcomes participants from Spanish-speaking countries in Central and North America, as well as contestants from Spain, Portugal, Brazil, United States, Canada, Australia, Philippines and the French and Dutch Caribbean.

“I can’t wait to represent Portugal in Bolivia,” Agonia told O Jornal. “Participating in Miss Portuguesa was truly an unforgettable experience. The entire ten-day experience surpassed all of my expectations, as we truly participated in so many great events, met wonderful people and saw so many different parts of Portugal. There were so many highlights, including winning Miss Elegância in my evening gown and the gala show, with so many members of my family in the crowd.”

Agonia will spend about two weeks in Bolivia, where she will take part in a series of pageant associated activities and interviews.

Like many of the Reina Hispanoamericana competitors, she is a pageant veteran. A former Miss Rhode Island USA, she represented the Ocean State at the Miss USA competition five years ago. In 2007, she won the title of Miss Dia de Portugal RI in the junior category. Two years later, she won the senior category. Her involvement in pageantry has continued throughout the years.

But despite her vast experience, Agonia admits the Reina Hispanoamericana is a little bit out of her comfort zone.

“This is an entirely different pageant system, so I need to prepare very differently,” she said. “For example, I will be participating in a national costume phase for the competition, which I have never done before. I am also preparing an entirely different wardrobe as the temperature and itinerary will be different in Bolivia.”

It will be the 30th edition of the beauty pageant.

As Princess Hispanoamericana Portugal, Agonia will be competing against about 30 finalists. If she wins, she will be the first titleholder from Portugal.

Agonia, who is a dual-citizen of Portugal and the United States, was born and raised in Central Falls, R.I. to immigrants hailing from Viana do Castelo, Minho. She grew up in a bilingual home where Portuguese traditions were always treasured.

“Growing up in a bicultural and bilingual household, my Portuguese culture has always been an important piece of my everyday life,” she said. “Whether it was joining the rancho [folklore group] at eight years old, attending Portuguese School for nine years, or winning and subsequently volunteering to organize the Miss Dia de Portugal RI pageant, I have always had deep roots in our community.”

Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from Roger Williams University, she considers her passions to be in public service, supporting women’s rights and being a voice for marginalized communities.

She currently holds the position of chief of external affairs for Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. She is responsible for managing communications, community engagement strategies, and constituent services, among other duties.

“It is definitely challenging balancing any extracurricular activities with my job, as my work is very around the clock,” she said. “Thankfully, my boss has always been extremely supportive of the opportunities I have pursued during my time with the City, including competing at Miss USA in 2016.”

Agonia will depart for Bolivia on Oct. 18. To offset the costs for her trip, she is currently seeking sponsors. If anyone is interestied in helping her cover expenses, such as purchasing the evening gown and wardrobe, they can contact her at theresaagonia@gmail.com