At Natural Selection, our mission to Make a Difference is driven by people — and few embody this more fully than Community Liaison Manager Sandra Rubins.
Sandra hails from Molepolole, a village in Botswana’s Kweneng District, about 50 kilometres from Gaborone. With 17 years in tourism, her career spans management, operations, logistics, procurement, and community outreach. In 2018, she arrived in Khwai Private Reserve as a camp relief general manager, later becoming warehouse manager.
A tragic loss reshaped her path. When her close friend and colleague Maria Ramsden — then Community Liaison Manager — passed away, Sandra stepped into the role, continuing Maria’s legacy across Botswana. Today, the preschool in Khwai bears Maria’s name: The Maria Ramsden Learning Centre.
“Taking on this role has been both an honour and a privilege,” Sandra says. “I get to work with different communities, understand their cultures, and help address the challenges they face.”
Based in Maun with her three children, Sandra’s work extends far beyond her own family. Her role involves identifying community needs, developing and implementing projects, coordinating with partner organisations, fundraising, and supporting local employment.
Her days are carefully structured. “I start by checking emails and setting priorities,” she explains. “Meetings usually happen in the afternoons.” Recently, much of her focus has been on establishing a new preschool linked to the opening of Tawana Camp.
“I’m currently working on The Learning Tree preschool in Shorobe,” she says. “From registration and inspections to staffing and supplies — it’s all part of the process.”
Working with communities brings its own complexities. “Village Development Committees and Trust boards change every few years,” Sandra notes. “That means priorities can shift. But if I know a project will truly benefit the community, I don’t give up. Patience really is a virtue.”
For Sandra, the reward lies in witnessing real change. “Seeing projects take off and improve people’s lives — that’s the best part of my job.”
Already, her focus is turning toward future initiatives, including Mmogo Centres for Community Development and expanding support for preschools in the panhandle.
Even amid a demanding schedule, Sandra finds time to share her work. “I love creating content,” she smiles. “I believe storytelling creates awareness and inspires others.”
Whether online or in the field, Sandra remains a powerful force for positive change — quietly shaping futures, one community at a time.
