Our Team

Susie Hammond

Executive Director & Co-founder

Bio

My name is Susie (Su-Ce) Hammond, and I am the Executive Director and Co-founder of Rooted In Blackness. I am originally from Los Angeles, California but I have been living In Oregon for the past 10 years. While living in Oregon, I received my BS in Psychology with an emphasis of pre-education from Oregon Institute of Technology and my Master of Social Work from Portland State University.

For the past couple of years, I have been working as a Family Navigator in the Bethel School District, providing vital support and services to students and families. In Bethel, I have established multiple affinity groups, as well as organized Bethel’s 1st Annual Black History Month Banquet and Black Leadership Youth Summit.

Pertaining to our African American Black identified youth and families, I am eager about supporting, empowering, and providing well deserved spaces where they are seen, celebrated, and heard. Rooted In Blackness is not just a nonprofit organization committed to providing opportunities for our youth to excel in life but to demonstrate unification amongst Black led organizations to continue to guide and empower the next generation of Black leaders.

Billy Fields

President & Co-Founder

Bio

Hello everyone! My name is Billy Fields. I am the Co-Founder and President of Rooted In Blackness. I am originally from Denver, Colorado, but have lived in Oregon for over 40 years, 11 of those in Eugene, Oregon. I graduated from Ida B. Wells High School of Portland (formerly Wilson High School), heading to college to start my work toward a Computer Science degree.

During breaks from college, I always found myself back at my old high school and middle school working with the students. It was then I realized my love and passion for education and working with our youth. That prompted me to change my major from Computer Science to Education. I went on to receive my BA in Liberal Arts and Master of Education from Portland State University.

Since that decision to change my major, I have enjoyed my journey, educating our youth on all levels, from elementary to college, from private schools to charter school, not only working with all the youth that crossed my path, but especially our black youth. I’ve also had the privilege to be an integral part of some of the best youth programs in Portland.

In steps Rooted In Blackness. This comes from a vision seen over 10 years ago, where it was recognized the need for more opportunities and exposure for our black identified students here in Lane County. It is so fulfilling to see it come to fruition.

Deleesa Meashintubby

Vice President

Bio

Deleesa Meashintubby is the Executive Director of the Volunteers In Medicine Clinic located in Springfield, Oregon. She is also the pastor of St. Mark CME Church located in Eugene, Oregon. She is a wife, a mother of 3 adult children and the grandmother of 1 grandson. She and her husband are also the resource parents to 2 teenage girls. Her community service consists of serving on the Board of Trustee for Bushnell University, Board Member of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Member of the United Way Board of Directors. She was awarded the Eugene Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” award this past January. Her passion is her family.

Naivasha Tester

Secretary

Bio

My name is Naivasha (Ni-vash-ah) Tester. I am, mostly, a Eugene native. I graduated from Churchill High School and went on to graduate from the University of Oregon two terms ahead of schedule. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology. I am currently a police officer and have been for over seven years. I was not always set in the career, I found psychology and law to be most intriguing during my studies in college. I explored the career and went on Ride Alongs to see what the job entailed. I love the community aspect of my career and being able to help influence the community for the betterment of everybody. Growing up, I looked up to my high school SRO, a black police officer. I had never seen one in real life. Knowing him and his charisma, inspired me to get involved with the youth in the community in my role as a police woman. I then became a Youth Services Officer (formerly SRO) and have been for over a year.

I am excited to be part of a nonprofit dedicated to helping our black youth in our community. Growing up in Eugene, other than blood family, I did not have the opportunity of coming together with other youth that looked like me. I knew my worth from my family’s core values however, I lacked being able to share those experiences with other youth outside of family.

Yolanda Fields

Treasure

Bio

Hello, my name is Yolanda Fields. I am the treasure for Rooted in Blackness. I am a native of Portland, but I have lived in Eugene for the past ten years. I graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s in Education from Portland State University. I am a teacher. I have been teaching for more than fifteen years. I am currently teaching at City First Christian Academy. It is my passion, and it’s exciting to contribute to a student’s life. I enjoy being around them and teaching youth daily.

I am thrilled I will have the opportunity to work with youth in the community. With my skills and experiences, I look forward to imparting solid morals and character to the young youth. I want to be a great role model for students that look like me. I’ve had many involvements with after-school and summer programs. I believe the Rooted in Blackness organization will make a difference in these kids’ lives. It is well needed and will be well supported by the community.