Meet our committee
Photo: Doug Hikawa
Michelle Symes-Thiara
Co-Executive Director
Michelle Symes-Thiara was born and raised in Merced and still lives there today with her husband and their two boys. She has been working in education for the past 29 years and is currently the Director of District Support Services for the Merced County Office of Education. Michelle was a former candidate and has been volunteering for the MAO for 26 years.
Photo: Doug Hikawa
Wendy Ekizian
Co-Executive Director
Wendy Ekizian has been volunteering in the Miss America Organization for 26 years and was a former candidate. She is a mother of three beautiful, adult children. She was the office manager in her recently retired husband’s chiropractic office for over 30 years. She now works for Better Homes Real Estate. Wendy also dedicates her time to many community based projects around Merced County.