Dr. Delia Saenz is the inaugural Vice Chancellor for Equity, Justice & Inclusive Excellence at UC Merced. She is a social psychologist by training and her research focuses on organizational effectiveness, culture, and group processes. A native of Texas, Dr. Saenz has previously held academic and administrative appointments at Arizona State University, Bennington College, and the University of Notre Dame. She is the recipient of numerous grants from entities like the National Science Foundation, the US Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health, and the Ford Foundation. She is especially interested in promoting the educational, economic, and cultural well-being of the Merced County region, and in building strong and sustainable bridges between community and campus.

Deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.

No one benefits from ignorance.

Honorable SC Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Norma Hernandez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, and raised in Merced County, (Hopeton to be exact). She has been serving as a Director for the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she works as an Insurance Agent for AAA Insurance, specializing in all your insurance needs, as a notary public AND a jewelry consultant at Devon’s Jewelers.  She has over 30 years of customer service experience, which has prepared her for her tenure with MCHCC and her continued community involvement. Being a part of the community and its growth is a passion of hers, as Merced County is her home and it holds a special place in her heart.  Norma loves to expand her horizons by traveling and going to new places, when time allows, even if it’s in the form of a quick road trip. 

Michael Gomez was born in Los Baños and raised in Merced, where he graduated from Golden Valley High School and Merced College. After earning his associate degree, he transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

A lifelong resident of Merced County, Michael is passionate about strengthening the community that shaped him. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in local nonprofits and service organizations, including the Young Professionals Network (YPN), Lions Club, Club Mercedes, and as an advisor for the UC Merced Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His leadership roles have allowed him to connect professionals, support local businesses, and help foster a strong sense of community pride.

As a licensed REALTOR® with Iron Key Real Estate and a C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) designee, Michael brings a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and expertise to every client he serves. With experience in sales and real estate, he takes pride in helping Merced County residents achieve their homeownership goals while promoting sustainable growth within the region.

Michael envisions Merced County as a thriving, inclusive community where local businesses flourish and residents feel proud to call it home. His goal is to continue building partnerships that create opportunities and bring people together to make Merced County one of the best places to live, work, and grow. Through his Instagram @GrowTheValley, Michael highlights local businesses, events, and community stories that reflect the heart of the Central Valley.

Outside of his professional career, Michael is an amateur combat sports athlete who trains in Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Wrestling. He also enjoys racing, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

My name is Zumbie Allure Xayyaphay, and I am the Founder and President of the Chess Club of Merced and a Youth Chess Coordinator for Rising Empowerment Sports Ministries, where I help youth build confidence, critical thinking, and connection. I am also the CEO and President of Community Impact Network, an upcoming nonprofit serving Merced County with a mission to strengthen community well-being through education, advocacy, and empowerment and awareness.I have been a Merced resident since 1999 and have been serving my community since 2018 through the Merced Golden Lions, while also feeding the homeless and volunteering. I take trainnings to futher my education. As a parent, wife, and community member, I am dedicated to creating safe spaces, being a resource hub, and uplifting others; I hold an AA in Social and Behavioral Science and Psychology and am a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator, committed to lifelong learning, resilience, and making meaningful impact.

Bio: “Love working on projects that bring community and uplift others.” -Yanet Soto

Work: Part-time at Merced College in the AgTEC Dept and Stan State KCSS Radio Station as an assistant and as a co-host live radio show for “Musica, Cultura & Geographia”

Education: Full-time student at Stanislaus State University; Bachelor Degree in Leadership Studies and studying at UC Merced PACE Program for CAPM Certification

Growing up as a visibly trans youth in Merced during the 1990s, Katalina has firsthand experience with the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community in small towns with limited resources. Determination, empathy, and commitment to social change makes her a powerful champion for LGBTQ+ rights.

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.