Theresa Camille Adile Metzler serves as Interim Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. A passionate advocate for Italian American history and culture, she believes museums are more than places to experience history and art—they are welcoming spaces where people can gather, exchange ideas, spark curiosity, and celebrate creativity.
A lifelong Angeleno, Theresa earned her bachelor’s degree in History from California State University, Northridge. She began her career in the fashion industry working with companies such as May Company and Nordstrom, then later founded Trend Terrace LA, an apparel design and development company. Through Trend Terrace, she has collaborated with a wide range of designers, fashion brands, and organizations, including acclaimed menswear designer Waraire Boswell, the NBA, and BB Dakota, among others.
For Theresa, art and fashion have always been inseparable forms of cultural expression. She believes fashion is culture—reflecting our identity, history, traditions, and the world in which it is created.
After serving on IAMLA’s Board of Directors for three years, Theresa stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in business, creative leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement to the museum.
Theresa is deeply committed to community service and to exploring how the lessons of history can inform and enrich our lives today. Her philanthropic work has included serving as a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles and the Lions Club. She has also partnered with the Anne Douglas Center for Women for The Pillow Project to offer workshops in sewing techniques. Theresa currently serves on the board of the Italian Women’s Club of Los Angeles and is an active member of the Garibaldina M.B. Society.
Theresa is honored to help lead IAMLA into its next chapter. She looks forward to creating inspiring experiences, cultivating meaningful partnerships, strengthening the community, and sharing the enduring contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the history and culture of Los Angeles.
