Annissa Fragoso is a long-standing community leader and business owner with deep roots in California’s Central Valley. Born and raised in Tracy, she moved to Merced in 1995 and has proudly called it home for the past 30 years. In 2012, she earned her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Merced Community College and launched her own Farmers Insurance agency, which continues to serve clients from its Main Street location.

 

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Annissa has also dedicated herself to public service and small business advocacy. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MCHCC) for more than a decade and has held the position of President since 2020.

Under her leadership, the MCHCC launched several impactful initiatives including:

• • Minerva Empresaria Award (California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2022)
  • Non-Profit of the Year (City of Merced, under her MCHCC leadership)
  • Affiliate of the Year (Merced County Association of Realtors, 2022)
  • Multiple performance awards from Farmers Insurance, including Toppers Club and District Leadership Awards
  • Volunteer of the Year (City of Merced District 5, 2022)
    • The Mercado Night Market, a collaborative effort with the City of Merced that supports over 150 microbusinesses and artisans, now a beloved community
    • COVID-19 relief efforts, which included helping small businesses access ARPA grants, licensing assistance, and educational
    • The annual Mayor’s Ball, in partnership with Mayor Matthew Serratto, raising over $50,000 for local nonprofits.
    • The launch of Vamanos Magazine, showcasing Merced’s agricultural heritage, small businesses, and cultural

    Annissa has also helped drive economic and cultural development by championing arts-focused programs, coordinating job fairs, supporting rural and immigrant-owned businesses, and forging partnerships with key organizations including UC Merced, Merced College, local health centers, and state chambers of commerce.

    She played a key role in establishing Merced’s first Black Chamber of Commerce and helped found the Merced Chamber Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) focused on leadership development and student scholarships.

    Annissa’s contributions have earned her multiple honors, including:

  Outside of her professional life, Annissa enjoys traveling, boating, RVing, attending music festivals, and spending cherished time with her grandson, Noah.