From Immigrant to Connector: Annabel Luna-Smith’s Journey to Helping Others

TL/DR –

Annabel Luna-Smith, who moved to the US from Venezuela at 17 with limited English, is a community engagement strategist at UNT Health Fort Worth, connecting various parties such as institutions to residents and patients to services. She has been recognized for this work through a nomination for the Fort Worth Report’s 52 Faces of Community series. Luna-Smith also serves on the bilingual education advisory board for James L. West Center for Dementia Care, sits on healthcare committees and task forces, and makes a point of offering translation services to ensure language doesn’t prevent anyone from getting the help they need.

Annabel Luna-Smith: From Immigrant to Community Engagement Strategist

Arriving in the U.S. from Venezuela at 17, Annabel Luna-Smith knew just enough English to say her name. Struggling to navigate the complex systems of a new country, she realized that many others face the same challenges.

Now 45, Luna-Smith leverages her experience as a community engagement strategist at UNT Health Fort Worth, connecting residents to institutions, patients to services, and families to resources.

Her work in the community has earned her a nomination for 52 Faces of Community, a weekly series highlighting unsung local heroes by the Fort Worth Report.

Frances Villafane, Associate Director of Community Partnerships at the American Cancer Society, describes Luna-Smith as a “road map” for newcomers, immigrants, and underserved residents. As a social worker, Isel Collazo recognizes her as a trusted bridge for Hispanic communities.

Luna-Smith’s drive to help others stems from her father’s journey from high school to becoming a businessman in Venezuela. Her experience of learning English, navigating college, and understanding healthcare in the U.S. has equipped her with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by many immigrants.

Working for a decade at JPS Health Network, she used her bilingual skills and outgoing personality to assist patients and families. She helped them understand appointments, paperwork, and resources, often seeing reflections of her own family’s experience in those she helped.

At UNT Health, Luna-Smith connects the institution with community partners, facilitating students’ exposure to healthcare needs beyond clinic walls. In her personal life, she volunteers at local churches and other health organizations to help others find food, care, translation, and dignity.

She emphasizes the importance of translation, acknowledging that language barriers can often limit people’s access to vital resources. “At the very least, I’m going to be there to translate,” Luna-Smith said.

Her belief is that resources can change lives, but only if people know how to reach them. That’s why she’s dedicated her life to helping others navigate complex systems, providing a human voice and a listening ear.

“Annabel is short in stature, but her heart is as big as Texas,” stated Amanda Applon, Community Outreach Coordinator for Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr.

Though she doesn’t see herself as an “unsung hero,” Luna-Smith is committed to standing beside those who are scared and helping them take the next step. “I get to do this work,” Luna-Smith said.

For more information, please contact Dang Le at dang.le@fortworthreport.org.

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