Theresa Avina

Board Treasurer

Assistant Festival Chair

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Theresa Avina is originally from the Chicago Area and moved to the Gulf Coast for a 2nd time in 2017. She has also lived in Tucson, AZ and Sheppard Air Force Base, TX. Theresa currently works for Hancock Whitney Bank where she also serves on Hancock Whitney Bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. She resides in Long Beach, MS and is the mother to a teenager that identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Her deep passion for volunteering has led to several lead roles in organizations such as Relay for Life of Burkburnett, TX, Sheppard Enlisted Spouses Club, Communities in Schools of Greater Wichita Falls, NMCB 11 FRG and most recently she has become a board member for the Kiwanis Club of Gulfport, MS in addition to The Gulf Coast Equality.

Theresa has also volunteered for organizations including YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, USO, Meals on Wheels, the Mexican Consulate, Wild Bird Rescue in Wichita Falls, TX, Miss Fannies Friends Animal Rescue, Wichita Falls, TX, and in a recent, national political campaign. Her goal while volunteering is to advocate, empower, and give voices to those with a need for equality and promote Human Rights for all. Theresa is also fluent in Spanish and a White Sox/ Bears fan.