Theresa Pinson

Theresa Pinson (She/Her) is a dedicated member of the St. Joe Pride Board. Growing up in St. Joseph, she retired from the Air National Guard and has been working as an Animal Care Specialist at the local animal shelter for the past 17 years. In her professional role, she cares for animals and works with the public to reunite pets with their families and find new homes for others.

Theresa's passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy stems from her close relationships with friends and family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is deeply personal, influenced by witnessing the impact of discrimination on her loved ones. She considers her most impactful contribution to the LGBTQ+ community to be her role as a friend and ally, always ready to listen, educate, and support in any small way she can.

Theresa has been actively involved with the St. Joe Pride Board since just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has been a key organizer in the kids' area at Pridefest since it's second year. One of her most cherished memories is seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of families and children at Pride events. The first Pride held in a small church parking lot moved her to tears.

In addition to her work with the Pride Board, Theresa has served as a co-director for Royal Family Kids, a camp for foster children and those from challenging backgrounds, for nine years. Currently, she directs STAR Kids (Stand Together to Achieve Resiliency), a monthly club providing a safe and supportive environment for children from similar situations. She finds great fulfillment in her role with STAR Kids, witnessing the positive changes in the children as they build friendships and grow more confident.

Outside of her professional and community work, Theresa enjoys spending time at home with her pets, reading, and watching softball games with friends. Balancing her personal life with her community involvement comes naturally, as many of her friends share her passion for advocacy. She is inspired by the positive changes she sees in individuals, whether it's a child at STAR Kids or a participant at Pride. Her motivation comes from being surrounded by passionate people working towards justice and equality.

Theresa envisions a future where the Pride Board continues to grow and thrive, and she remains committed to contributing as long as she is needed.