Inspired by Native artists who create beauty from the intersection of history, culture, and life experience, Theresa Harlan became an advocate for them through her work as a curator and writer on contemporary Native art and photography. She administered programs for the California Arts Council and directed the Carl Gorman Museum in the Native American studies department at UC Davis. Harlan is Kewa (enrolled member of Santo Domingo Pueblo), and is the adopted daughter of Liz Campigli Harlan (Coast Miwok, Tomales Bay) and John Harlan. She lives in Vallejo, California, with her husband.