Leslie Sams Joins UboraTZ as Development Manager

We are excited to announce the addition of Leslie Sams to UboraTZ as our new Development Manager.

In Leslie’s new role, she will help lead our non-profit’s fundraising efforts by engaging with donors and foundations to tell the story of Ubora and the partnership with the people of Karansi, Tanzania to enable holistic community transformation through education, health, business and family advocacy.  Leslie will be responsible for managing Ubora’s fundraising channels, including working with foundations and developing events, to meet ongoing funding needs.

Leslie has been involved with Ubora since 2010, serving as a teacher mentor to the team at Siha Leadership in Karansi, traveling to Tanzania at least once a year in that role.  She took on an expanded role with Ubora in 2019 working part-time as Operations Administrator, helping coordinate missions trips to Tanzania before transitioning to a part-time development role.

“I love to tell stories, especially about Africa, and I hope that I can tell our story in such a way that others will want to be involved by praying, going, giving, and volunteering,” said Leslie.

Leslie’s heart for Africa runs deep.  She first fell in love with Africa in 1984 while on a Jesus Film team with Cru in Zaire (now the DRC) and four years later, she led a high school group back to Zaire for a one-month mission trip for the Jesus Film.

“Leslie has a deep understanding of, and passion for, the needs of the Tanzanian people – and the ability to inspire others to help,” said Dave Burgess, President of UboraTZ.  “We know that missions work takes all kinds of people, and Leslie will go far beyond traditional fundraising to serve as the catalyst that brings the body of Christ together to help transform the lives of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters.”

Throughout her career, Leslie has served as a middle and high school Life Sciences teacher, most recently at Perimeter School (2008 – 2018).  She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has a degree in Biology/Animal Science.  She has been married to her husband, Bert, for 33 years; together they have four grown children and two sponsored children through Ubora Project Child.

Please join us in congratulating Leslie Sams on her new role with Ubora!  Leslie can be reached directly by email:  lesliesams@uboratz.org