EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Wanda Gonzales, Regional President

(2YR FY 2023-2024) AAA, Northern ADO

Greetings! My name is Wanda Gonzales and it is an honor to serve as the SF-HAAC Regional President. Thank you for your continued support! The benefits from attending our mixers, conferences, trainings, and workshops are countless. I have gained new perspective and meaningful professional friendships. I’m here to pay it forward!

I am the Area Administrative Assistant (AAA) for the Northern Area. I joined the SSA family in September 2001 as a Title XVI Claims Representative in the Sacramento Field Office. It was around that time that I also joined HAAC. In my tenure, I have served as an Operations Supervisor, Level II District Manager, and Public Affairs Specialist. In 2014, I served as the Nuts & Bolts Mentor in Richmond, CA. In 2015, I was selected for the Regional Office Experience (ROX) and completed a detail in the RPAO. In 2018, I served as a Professional Mentor for Sacramento State’s Veterans Career Pathways Program (VCPP). I was Co-Chair for the HAAC Advisor Program from 2018-2022. I also served as the Northern AVP for one year.

I live in Sacramento, CA; born in San Antonio, TX. My family is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. I have a daughter who is 20 and a large family network who keep me busy. As a teenager, I used to pass by the San Antonio FO on my daily commute to school. I grew up in a community where Spanish was primarily spoken and resources for Spanish-speaking people were scarce. Let’s just say that I don’t think I landed here by chance!  I have a passion for helping others and currently serve as a mentor for a Reentry person and as an Advisor Member for the Exodus Project. Off the clock, you can find me exploring the town and discovering cool places to eat. I enjoy reading, traveling, listening to music, watching anything Forensics, and spending time with my beautiful daughter.

Casandra Murillo, Vice President

(2YR FY 2023-2024) Staff Assistant - MOS

I am a Staff Assistant in the Management Operations Support Immediate Office (MOS IO). I began working for SSA in 2006 as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) in the Modesto, CA Field Office (FO).  In 2008, I was promoted to T16 Claims Specialist (CS). I transferred to the Sacramento FO in 2013, where I became a Claims Technical Expert (CTE) then was later reassigned to Operations Supervisor (OS).  In 2019, I was promoted to Level 2 District Manager in Alamosa, CO.  In 2020, I became Assistant District Manager (ADM) in the Redding FO. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from DeVry University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School.  

I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my husband. We have ventured through many parts of Colorado, California and even Kansas. Our most recent adventure was along the California and Oregon coast. We hope to continue to plan many more adventures.

I look forward to working with the Executive Council to provide a fruitful experience for all of our members, just as previous council members have provided me in the past.

Katalin Ribeiro, Secretary

(2YR FY 2023-2024) DM - Placerville

Anzell Gonzalez, Treasurer

(2YR FY 2022-2023) CSR - Modesto

Hello! My name is Anzell Gonzalez, I was born and raised in Merced CA. I attended the University of California Merced in August of 2015. In May of 2019 I graduated receiving a Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. Ultimately my drive comes from the influence of my grandparents as they immigrated to the United States. Their sacrifices have allowed me to be the first in my family to graduate from a 4-year University. I joined the Social Security Administration shortly after in July 2019. I have 2 years and counting as a Bilingual Customer Service Representative (CSR) in the Modesto Field Office. My focus and determination shifted from education to excelling in my career. I am currently serving as your new SF-HAAC Treasurer! I became a HAAC member as of 2020 and soon thereafter became Treasurer in 2021. I look forward to making new memories with HAAC and make an impact on peoples lives. The goal is to continue grow, create new relationships and give back to our communities.

Ruby Sotero, Northern AVP

(2 YR FY 2023-2024) OS - West Sacramento

Andrea Garnica, Bay AVP 

(2YR FY 2022-2023) CS - Salinas TSC

Hi everyone! It is an honor to serve as Bay AVP. My name is Andrea Garnica. I am a Title 2 Claims Specialist in the Salinas, CA Workload Support Unit located in the Salinas TSC. I started my career with the agency when I was 19 years old as a Teleservice Representative in 2007. I did a short detail as what is now a Lead CSR in 2010, followed by my promotion to what was then the Immediate Claims Taking Unit, now known as WSU.

Fast forward to 2019, I felt I needed change and gifted myself a ticket to the 2019 HAAC Gala as a birthday present to myself. Since then, I have met so many wonderful people and have written articles for the Si Se Puede! Newsletter. In the early part of the year 2020, I was selected to be a part of the SF-HAAC Advisor Program as a mentee. I had an amazing mentor who always encouraged me, which was no small feat given the challenges that came from various directions during the year 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In December 2021, I finished a 120-day detail with the Center for Automation, Security, and Integrity (CASI) component as an analyst for the Security and Integrity Team (SIT).

I was born in Oxnard, CA and raised as a migrant kid between Yuma, Arizona, and California’s beautiful Central Coast. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and have two kids: a son and a daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring different cuisines, and going on adventures with my children. I love art, history, and architecture.

HAAC helped me so much and in return, I look forward to working with everyone and helping others with their goals as well!

Yolanda Rivera, FHFB AVP

(2YR FY 2023-2024) CS - WNPSC Richmond, CA

Manuel Sanchez, Sierra West AVP

(2YR FY 2023-2024) CTE- Bakersfield, CA

Vivian Recinos, La Metro AVP

(2 YR FY 2021-2022) OS - Glendale

Hello everyone, my name is Vivian Recinos.  I have been an active SF-HAAC member since 2015. I have had the opportunity to serve as SF HAAC’s LA Metro AVP since 2018. I am excited and honored to be able to serve the LA Metro area again for the next two years. In the several years I have been in HAAC, it has made a huge impact in my personal and professional life.  I would love to continue sharing HAAC’s mission with others in the agency.

I started my career with Social Security in 2008 as a T2 Claims Representative at the University Village FO in Los Angeles, CA.  In 2016, I was promoted to a T2 Claims Technical Expert in the Glendale CA FO.  In 2019, I was selected to participate in the San Francisco Regional Bridge Development Program with two assignments as an Operations Supervisor (OS).  Following the completion of the Bridge program, I was selected as the Operations Supervisor in my home office of Glendale which I am currently at.  

I was born in Taiwan raised in Walnut, CA.  I live in Los Angeles with my husband and two daughters.  I am trilingual in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.  I love spending time with my family, Disneyland, cooking, eating, and watching football. I look forward to the next two years with you all. I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you virtually or in person soon. Si Se Puede!

Michelle Flores , South Coast AVP

(2YR FY 2023-2024) 

 Claudia Lamp, Southwest AVP

(2YR FY 2022-2023) MSS - Palm Springs

Buenos Dias! My name is Claudia Lamp. I’ve been a member of SF HAAC for most of my career and am excited to continue as your Southwest Area Vice President.

I started my career with SSA as a Service Representative in the Morongo Basin office in 2005. In 2009, I was promoted to a T16 Claims Representative followed by T2 Cross Over training in 2012. I truly enjoyed being a Generalist CS and didn’t think I wanted to do anything else, until there was an opening for a Generalist CTE in the Palm Springs District Office.  I was promoted to CTE in March of 2016. Along with the craziness of being a CTE, I was also a part of the Region 9 Trust Cadre workgroup, which helped develop the processes for trust reviews in our region.  I was a Regional Trust Reviewer for the Southwest Area until November 2022 when I was promoted to Management Support Specialist (MSS) in the Palm Springs District. Being an MSS is allowing me to use all the knowledge from the last 17 years to better assist all of the employees in our district. This is the position I’ve wanted since I first started working for SSA. Being a part of SF HAAC has helped guide my career to get me to where I am.   

I was born in Central California but have been in the Palm Springs area since I was young. My husband and I have been married for 15 years and have 2 smart and witty teenage girls (14 & 16).

I am excited for the opportunity to assist with SF HAAC and help guide Southwest HAAC members with their SSA careers.

Dolores Lliguin, Inland AVP

(2YR FY 2022-2024) ADM - 

Amarjit Ghuman, !Si Se Puede! Chief Editor

(2YR FY 2023-2024) CS-Lodi 

Greetings SF-HAAC Familia! My name is Amarjit Ghuman and it is truly an honor to continue to serve on the !Si Se Puede!  Newsletter team. I have been an active member of SF-HAAC since 2014. Being a member of this team has truly enriched my career development.

I graduated from California State University of Sacramento, where I achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. I began my career with the agency as a Case Technician with the Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) in 2009.  I was promoted to the Senior Case Technician position while still with OHO and then my journey continued to the Field Office in 2012, where I have held positions as a Claims Development Clerk (CDC), Customer Service Representative (CSR), and now a Claims Specialist (CS).

Joining SF-HAAC was one of the best decisions I made. I have attended numerous workshops and mixers where I’ve experienced networking opportunities from which some have lead to cherished friendships. I encourage each and every one of you to invest in yourself and participate in upcoming workshops and mixers. I will continue to work with the Executive Council to promote developmental opportunities for our members and in carrying out SF-HAAC’s mission and objectives.

Deogracias Santos, ¡Si Se Puede! Co-Editor

(2YR FY 2021-2022) OS - Sacramento

Greetings! My name is Deogracias Santos. I am privileged to serve as the Si Se Puede! newsletter contributor as well as, a contributing member to your Executive Council. My membership with HAAC began within a few months of my hiring date, in late 2003.

My career with the Agency began as a T2 Claims Representative in the Sacramento District Office.  I later became an Operations Supervisor as part of the Sacramento Metro Leadership Development program and was then assigned to Northern Area Director’s Office as Public Affairs Specialist.  These opportunities exposed me to the agency’s mission and objectives, and helped me in my position today, as permanent OS in the Roseville District office. 

Through HAAC, I have met many fellow Agency employees, all seeking career success and development. I have participated in networking sessions, mixers, and trainings where I have been privileged to meet fellow HAAC members from other Areas and various parts of the Region. The best part of my HAAC experience is meeting executives, and members of upper management, who have all overcome similar obstacles and are all willing to share their stories.  

I look forward to significantly contributing to the SF HAAC mission and objectives.

Michael Teixeira, Advisor Program Co-Chair

(2 YR FY 2022-2023) OS - Lodi

My name is Michael Teixeira and I am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity to take part in HAAC.

I started with the agency in the Sierra West area, where I worked in Lakewood, CA. In Lakewood, I was fresh out of college and was welcomed with open arms by a wonderful SSI team who took me under their wing. I quickly learned the importance of formal and informal mentorship. Shortly after being promoted to the CS position, I transferred to the Northern area and had the privilege of working in the Stockton district where I was a CS in the Lodi Field Office. In 2016, I was promoted to Operations Supervisor to the Stockton Field Office. I was recently promoted to Public Affairs Specialist for Northern, which has allowed me to continue to expand my SSA network. I enjoy attending various HAAC and SFRMA events. I enjoy meeting people throughout the area and region at the conferences and events. I have also had the privilege of being a mentor through various programs. Most importantly, I enjoy the lifelong friendships and family that I have created along the way. I highly encourage you all to “get involved” if you haven’t so already!

Through these experiences, I have seen the importance of collaborating with individuals of various backgrounds and on multiple levels. I feel that this open communication is crucial to our success, especially during these unusual times. I look forward to meeting and interacting with you all throughout this journey.

Eric Bencomo, Council Advisor

(2YR FY 2021-2022) DM- Watts

Eric Bencomo is currently SF-HAAC’s Member-At-Large. Eric joined HAAC back in 2000 when he attended a SF-HAAC conference in Tucson, AZ.  It is there where he was enlighten by this great organization. Since then, Eric has actively participated in the SF-Hispanic Affairs Advisory Council (HAAC), serving as a mentor for the Advisor program, facilitating several developmental workshops, serving as Area Vice President in the LA Metro Area and the Frank Hagel Federal Building, and most recently as Regional President of the HAAC from 2012-2014.

Celia Andrino,  Project Manager

(2YR FY 2021-2022) DM- Santa Barbara

My name is Celia Andrino. I am proud to serve as the SF HAAC Elections Committee Chair because I am dedicated to public service and leadership. I have been a member of SF HAAC for many years because I support the educational opportunities and mentorship SF HAAC provides to its members.

I started my SSA career over 30 years ago in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Throughout my career, I have benefited from wonderful mentors and have served as a mentor to others. I am currently the District Manager of the Santa Barbara District.

Patricia Raymond, Executive Champion

(2YR FY 2022-2023) SF Regional Communications Director

My name is Patricia Raymond, and it is truly an honor to serve as the Executive Champion for HAAC.  I want to thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this governing council.  I have been an active member of HAAC since 1999 and have been fortunate to attend conferences, trainings, networking sessions, and other events where I have met many of you.  This is only the beginning of my new adventure in this position, and I am very excited and looking forward to what the future will bring.  Si se puede!