our team is made up of a small staff, amazing volunteers and committee members, and our board of directors.

Group of people participating in a march with the NAACP Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, some holding flags, with trees and storefronts in the background, with a colorful filter overlay.
Group of people participating in a march with the NAACP Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, some holding flags, with trees and storefronts in the background, with a colorful filter overlay.
Become a Volunteer

Meet the Team

  • A professional Black person with long black wavy hair wearing a black blazer and white blouse, standing confidently with one hand in pocket in a modern office setting.

    Deborah Reynolds-Lange

    INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Deborah Reynolds-Lange is the Interim Executive Director of the Eugene/Springfield NAACP, leading community-rooted efforts to advance racial and social justice in Lane County. A longtime Oregon educational leader, she has served as an educational assistant, teacher, principal, state director, and assistant superintendent, bringing both classroom experience and systems-level expertise to her work. She founded Social and Emotional Justice in Education to center student well-being, belonging, and equity in schools, and is dedicated to dismantling barriers so every child and family can thrive.

  • April H Headshot

    April Holmes

    NAACP Executive Support

    April Holmes is a strategic educational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing educational equity and program administration across Oregon. Currently serving in an administrative and strategic support role with the NAACP, April has held pivotal positions with the Oregon Department of Education, where she directed statewide culturally specific after-school programs and led the development of the SB5701 SPED Staff Stipends Grant Program. Her expertise spans grant administration, policy implementation, and cross-agency collaboration, with a consistent focus on creating inclusive learning environments for underserved students. April’s career reflects a deep commitment to equity, beginning as a special education teacher in Eugene School District 4J and progressing through roles as a behavioral specialist, program analyst, and policy leader. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Oregon. Known for building strong partnerships with culturally diverse communities and government agencies, April combines technical proficiency with compassionate leadership to drive meaningful, sustainable change in education across Oregon.

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    Aaliyah Payne

    NAACP Education Coordinator
    Student support, Cultural Storytime, Mentorship, ACT-SO

    Aaliyah Payne is the Education Coordinator for the NAACP Eugene–Springfield branch, leading efforts to advance equity, inclusion, and student success across local schools. She previously served as Assistant Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley Bethel Clubhouse, where she helped develop youth programs and support staff. A 2025 graduate of the University of Oregon, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations with a minor in Ethics.

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    Condrea Zhuang

    FRACTIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

    Condrea Zhuang is a first-generation immigrant and advocate for racial equity, environmental justice, and community empowerment. Her commitment to advocacy was shaped by witnessing firsthand how environmental harm disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, inspiring a lifelong dedication to advancing social justice, sustainability, and healthy, thriving communities for all.

    Throughout her academic and professional career, Condrea has led grassroots initiatives focused on civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and collective action. With more than a decade of experience in operations management, nonprofit development, program coordination, advocacy, and community organizing, she brings an equity-centered and people-focused approach to her work at the NAACP. Her efforts focus on building sustainable systems, supporting underserved communities throughout Lane County, and strengthening partnerships that create meaningful social change.

    Condrea is especially passionate about addressing the interconnected impacts of racial inequity, environmental injustice, public health disparities, and economic barriers. She believes in building a future rooted in justice, equity, sustainability, and community care, where all people have the opportunity to thrive.

  • A person in graduation attire with a black gown, light blue hood, and gold stole, wearing large glasses and smiling at the camera wearing hoop earrings, a necklace, and a gold honor cord.

    Gail Lund

    NAACP Community Health and Education Coordinator, Pantry, Healthcare Pathways Program

    Gail Lund is the Community Health and Education Coordinator for the NAACP in Eugene, Oregon. A proud Eugene native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Northwest Christian University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Education from Walden University, and is a nationally certified Medical Assistant. Gail has extensive experience in health education, having trained medical, dental, and office assistants for many years. She is also a dedicated volunteer leader with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and has served on the Department of Defense Peer Review Committee for breast cancer research.

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    Kharina Miramontes

    NAACP Community Health Worker, HIV Alliance

    Kharina Miramontes is a BIPOC Community Health Worker (CHW) with the HIV Alliance in Eugene, Oregon, serving through the BIPOC Community Health Worker Program. In partnership with the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, Kharina works to reduce barriers to medical care, substance use treatment, and behavioral and social services for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

    Grounded in grassroots organizing and community service, Kharina brings both lived experience and professional expertise to this role. They are committed to advancing equity and improving health access and outcomes for BIPOC communities throughout the Eugene area.

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    Rico Perez

    Community Health Worker PSS, HIV Alliance

    Rico is a BIPOC Community Health Worker with HIV Alliance, working in partnership with the NAACP to provide culturally responsive outreach, education, and support to underserved communities. Drawing on decades of lived experience and community leadership, he focuses on building trust, improving access to care, and addressing health disparities affecting Black and Brown populations in Lane County.

    His work is rooted in a long history of advocacy that began in the 1980s, when he organized MLK celebrations at Lane Community College and brought national civil rights leaders to Eugene. Over the years, Rico has served in leadership roles with the Eugene Human Rights Commission, NAACP, Centro Latino Americano, and the Community Alliance of Lane County.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led large-scale food distribution efforts and helped establish one of the largest food pantries in East Springfield. Today, Rico continues his commitment to community wellness through his role at HIV Alliance, where he uses his voice, relationships, and experience to uplift and support others.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  • A portrait of a Black person with a smile, wearing a navy suit, white shirt, and tie, against a black background.

    Demond Hawkins

    PRESIDENT

    Senior Health Equity Specialist, Trillium Community Health Plan
    demond@naacplanecounty.org

    Demond Hawkins serves as President of the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, where he leads efforts to advance equity, justice, and opportunity across the community. Grounded in faith, family, and service, he is committed to addressing systemic inequities and uplifting community voice.

    Demond is a passionate advocate for racial justice and inclusion, working collaboratively to remove barriers and create lasting change for future generations.

  • A Black person with long, wavy, light purple hair wearing a black knit beanie and a plaid shirt, smiling at the camera.

    April Broadnax

    VICE PRESIDENT
    BIPOC Housing Navigator, HIV Alliance
    abroadnax@allianceor.org

    April Broadnax serves as Vice President of the NAACP Eugene-Springfield Branch, where she helps lead local civil rights advocacy, community engagement, and organizational initiatives that advance equity and justice in the region. She plays a key role in strengthening partnerships, elevating community voices, and supporting programs that address systemic barriers facing Black and marginalized communities.

    She is also a Housing Case Manager with HIV Alliance, specializing in eviction prevention and housing stability for individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. In this role, April supports clients in navigating complex systems, accessing vital resources, and building pathways toward long-term stability and well-being.

    Deeply passionate about affordable housing, racial justice, and equitable access to services, April views her work as soul-driven and community-centered. She is dedicated to building, uplifting, and empowering the community she calls home.

  • Close-up of a smiling person wearing glasses, a dark blue top, and a multi-colored bead necklace, standing in front of a wooden wall.

    Susan Schroeder

    SECRETARY
    Grant writer, public health research project manager
    susan@naacplanecounty.org

    Susan has served on the NAACP Health Committee for over five years, collaborating with committee members to develop a series of webinars for health care providers on anti-racist patient care and for patients on self-advocacy. Her professional background as a project manager and grant writer includes extensive work in public health research and program development. Susan’s commitment to racial justice and health equity is grounded in her Christian faith and shaped by the example of her father, a Presbyterian minister whose ministry emphasized racial justice and equal rights for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

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    John Austin

    TREASURER
    Chief Financial Officer, Insight NW Recovery
    johna@naacplanecounty.org

    John Austin, Board Treasurer, brings over 20 years of experience improving systems and advocating for community needs. A certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, he is guided by a commitment to dignity, equity, and operational effectiveness.

    Professionally, John is a healthcare leader overseeing revenue cycle, data analytics, and compliance for a mental health facility. His work has focused on identifying and closing gaps in care, particularly for marginalized communities, including leading equity-focused initiatives at Trillium Community Health Plan.

    John began his career supporting people with disabilities, advancing access to housing and transportation, and served as a Commissioner for Florida’s Transportation Disadvantaged program. He holds a degree in Rehabilitation Services from Florida State University and is dedicated to supporting the NAACP’s mission of social and economic equity in the Eugene-Springfield community. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, cooking, and spending time with his family and dogs.

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    Jonathan Wayne

    HEALTH COMMITTEE CHAIR
    Owner, NTX Health Care
    jonathanw@naacplanecounty.org

    Jonathan Wayne serves as the Health Committee Chair for the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, leading initiatives to advance health equity and improve access to culturally responsive care for Black and other marginalized communities in Lane County. In this role, he leads a group of community members and professionals invested in healthcare to advocate for change, examine policy, and promote culturally responsive practices across local systems. He is also co-owner of NTX, a neuropsychiatric treatment clinic in Eugene, where he brings his clinical expertise to community-centered, trauma-informed mental health services that align with his advocacy work.

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    Jade Lazaris

    EVENTS COMMITTEE CHAIR
    Development Director, HIV Alliance
    jadel@naacplanecounty.org

    Jade Lazaris is a fundraiser and event planner, artist, copywriter, graphic designer, and business owner. She works as a Development Director for HIV Alliance and is an independent contractor for event planning and digital media. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon, where she double-majored in Art and Arts Management. Jade believes in supporting, empowering, and uplifting women’s voices. She has a passion for working with vulnerable populations and wants to see her community thrive in an equitable way. She also enjoys being out in nature, traveling, and her crazy cat, Menace.

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    Kodjo Wilder

    EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
    Assistant Principal, Cascade Middle School, Bethel School District
    kodjo@naacplanecounty.org

    Kodjo Wilder serves as the Education Committee Chair for the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, where he helps guide the branch’s work to support Black students and families through advocacy, programming, and school-based partnerships. In this role, he draws on his experience as Assistant Principal at Cascade Middle School in the Bethel School District in Eugene, Oregon, coordinating with educators and community members to promote equitable learning environments and culturally responsive education. His leadership bridges the NAACP’s mission with day-to-day school experiences, centering student voice, family engagement, and achievement for historically marginalized communities.

  • Quote by Fred Hampton about fighting racism with solidarity and socialism, on a black background with white text.

    Aaron Cooper

    POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
    aaron@naacplanecounty.org

    Aaron is a mixed race person and disabled veteran who began his community involvement as a volunteer with Black Cultural Initiative and the NAACP Eugene-Springfield’s food pantry. He now serves on the Executive Committee where he has helped launch the Political Action Committee. He is passionate about civic engagement, political and voter education, government accountability, and creating opportunities for people to connect and take action on issues affecting their communities. Raised in a military family, Aaron served in the Oregon, Colorado, and Kansas National Guard, supporting wildfire response, park restoration, and international partnerships through NATO. He has also worked in logging, construction, food service, retail, and sales, experiences that continue to shape his commitment to working people and community-centered leadership. Guided by values of honesty, respect, and a commitment to facts, Aaron believes meaningful change starts with informed and engaged communities.

volunteer opportunities

The NAACP Eugene-Springfield branch has openings for volunteers to help with community events, outreach, food pantry support, health fairs, game nights, voter engagement, and other local programs throughout the coming year.

Some volunteer opportunities happen regularly, like helping with the food pantry or staffing phones for a few hours. Others are once a month or tied to specific events like health fairs, meet-and-greets, or community gatherings.

A lot of people volunteer because they want to meet others, support good work locally, and feel more connected to the community. Some people help every week, some once a month, and some just show up when they can.

  • food pantry support

  • health fairs

  • helping answer community calls

  • event setup and take down

  • welcoming people at events

  • social media, photography, and outreach

  • helping with monthly game nights and community gatherings

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPENINGS

You don’t need special experience to get involved. Most roles are simple, flexible, and community-oriented, and our team will show you what to do.

APPLY TODAY

Group of protesters holding signs, one with a silhouette of Martin Luther King Jr. and the words "We create a beloved community," with NAACP Eugene-Springfield, Oregon