About Ubuntu Rooted

WHO WE ARE

Rooted in Community

Ubuntu Rooted is a community-centered organization serving the Tri-Cities and Mid-Columbia region. We work with community members, organizations, public agencies, educators, and service providers to build knowledge, deepen relationships, expand access to resources and opportunities, and change conditions that create unequal experiences and outcomes.

Our Vision

We envision a world where justice and equity are embedded into every system, where communities of color are free from systemic harm, fully resourced, and able to live with joy and dignity.

Our Mission

We strengthen communities by building knowledge, deepening connections, and expanding power across systems so people can live with dignity and care.

THE MEANING BEHIND OUR NAME

Why Ubuntu Rooted

Ubuntu is an African philosophy often expressed as, “I am because we are.” It reflects the understanding that our humanity and well-being are connected. No one exists or thrives in isolation.

Rooted reflects our commitment to community, culture, healing, resilience, and sustainable change. Together, the name Ubuntu Rooted expresses our belief that transformation grows through connection, shared responsibility, collective care, and community power.

WHAT GUIDES US

Our Values Run Deep.

Our values shape how we build relationships, make decisions, engage with community, and approach the work of creating meaningful and lasting change.

OUR CORE VALUES

We center community voice and invest in local partnerships.

We treat every person with care, compassion, respect, and humanity.

We create spaces for healing, belonging, and mutual support.

We expand access to knowledge so communities can navigate systems and shape change.

We lead with honesty, accountability, and follow through.

Three Branches

Human-Centered Culture Change

Equips organizations and communities with the knowledge, skills, tools, and partnerships needed to create equitable, human-centered systems and lasting organizational change.

Health & Wellness

Uses our Whole-Person Wellness Framework to support all eight dimensions of wellness in culturally responsive ways. This branch creates opportunities for healing, connection, prevention, cultural belonging, and individual and community well-being.

Justice & Advocacy

Strengthens civic participation, community leadership, and systems accountability by increasing access to education, engagement, and advocacy opportunities.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Rooted in Community. Guided by Shared Purpose.

Ubuntu Rooted is led by people who bring lived experience, professional knowledge, community relationships, and a shared commitment to dignity, equity, and collective well-being.

Our leadership works alongside community members, partners, and organizations to ensure our work remains grounded in the needs, strengths, and experiences of the people we serve.

Naima Chambers

Founder & Co-Executive Director

Clenesha (CT) Montgomery

Founder & Co-Executive Director

Board of Directors

Omni Romero

Board Chair

Yaslin Torres-Pena

Board Secretary

Nidia Tapia

board Treasurer

Chinaza Orren

Board of Directors

Cristal Alatorre

Board of Directors

Ed Sirtreak

Board of Directors

Organizations and Partners That Have Supported Our Mission Over the Years