OUR TEAM
miguel@occcopico.org Miguel Hernandez - Executive Director
susana@occcopico.org Susana Ventura - Office Administrator
blandy@occcopico.org Blandy Morales - Community Organizer
maritza@occcopico.org Maritza Bermudez - Community Organizer
maria@occcopico.org Maria E. Valencia - Community Organizer
erik@occcopico.org Erik Heredia Reyes - Community Organizer
Miguel Hernandez
Executive Director
Miguel guides OCCCO to identify and develop resilient and committed leaders in low-income communities of color. Since joining OCCCO as a volunteer in 1993, Miguel has worked with the faith community in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, and Santa Ana. Miguel was born and raised in Santa Ana, where he currently resides with his wife and two daughters. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach.
Susana Ventura
Office Administrator
Susana Ventura was born in Anaheim and grew up in Santa Ana. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. For over 20 years, Susana has been deeply committed to volunteering and giving back to her community. Her volunteer work spans various causes, including foster care, food pantries, elderly care, juvenile detention centers, and children's catechism. She has always believed in the value of contributing to the well-being of others.
Blandy Morales
Community Organizer
Blandy was born and raised in Orange County. She is a Community Organizer at OCCCO, and Blandy has been a part of OCCCO since 2014. She started as a canvasser and grew a passion for Social Justice. As a mother, she seeks to empower communities for a better future.
Maritza Bermudez
Community Organizer
Maritza Bermudez is a proud lifelong resident of Anaheim and the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. Since joining the Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) in 2021 as a Community Organizer, Maritza has dedicated herself to transforming education and empowering families. As the Education Organizer, she leads efforts to advance Racially Just and Relationship centered community schools both locally and statewide, working to amplify the voices of parents, students, and the broader community. A devoted mother of five, Maritza's commitment to education extends beyond her professional role. She is an active leader in her children’s schools and districts, participating in initiatives that promote collaboration and equity. With a passion for civic engagement and volunteerism, Maritza leverages her lived experience and leadership to uplift families and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Her work exemplifies the power of grassroots organizing to create lasting change.
Maria E. Valencia
Community Organizer
Maria E. Valencia joined OCCCO in September 2021 as a Community Organizer. Before joining OCCCO, she worked for a Catholic church for six years. There, she collaborated with families and students to deepen their faith. During that time, Maria discovered her calling to work with marginalized communities to advocate for social justice in immigration and housing. Maria is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She was born in Garden Grove, grew up, and still resides in Santa Ana.
Erik Heredia Reyes
Community Organizer
Erik was born in Orange and raised in Anaheim. He started in OCCCO as a youth in 2017, participating in various workshops, and slowly became more involved in Community Organizing and Civic Engagement. Erik loves being out in the field and conversing with community members, which fuels his civic engagement work.