Gloria Smith, MHL, BSN, RN, PED‑BC, of Camp Springs, Maryland, is a dedicated Nurse Manager and lifelong healthcare advocate with 40 years of experience in the healthcare field, including 37 years as a Registered Nurse. A native of Washington, DC, Gloria began her career at Capitol Hill Hospital, where she worked as a Health Technician while pursuing her nursing degree at the University of the District of Columbia.  She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and gained extensive experience across pediatrics, adolescent health, outpatient care, and the pediatric emergency department at District of Columbia (DC) General Hospital. Her career included caring for patients ranging from emergent to critically ill at one of the busiest level 1 trauma centers in the city, until the closure of the Nation's Capital public hospital system in 2001.

Following the closure of DC General, Gloria joined Children’s National Hospital in 2001 as part of the transition of the pediatric outpatient clinic from DC General to Children’s National, as well as the transfer of the Mobile Health Program from Georgetown University to Children’s. She continued her commitment to serving the same communities through roles at the Children’s National Adams Morgan, Comp and Good Hope Road clinics before moving to the Martin Luther King Jr. Clinic as a Staff RN. In 2014, she was promoted to Shift Coordinator for both the Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. locations, a supervisory leadership role in which she excelled for nearly a decade until 2023.

Gloria currently serves as the Nurse Manager of the Children’s National Anacostia clinic, where she has led with compassion, commitment, and a strong community‑centered focus for the past two and a half years. She manages a deeply connected, mission driven team whose dedication to patients and families she describes as “phenomenal.” In July 2026, Gloria will proudly celebrate 25 years of service with Children’s National.

Her academic accomplishments include an AAS in Nursing from the University of the District of Columbia, a BS in Nursing from Utica College, and a Master of Healthcare Leadership from Western Governors University. She has been ANCC‑certified in Pediatrics since 1995, is a Daisy Award recipient.

Community outreach and health advocacy are central to Gloria’s professional identity. She volunteers regularly with organizations such as Martha’s Table and has dedicated the past decade to hosting a Community Health and Wellness Outreach Fair. This annual event brings together representatives from government agencies, mobile health services, healthcare providers, WIC programs, food assistance organizations, clothing distribution groups, law enforcement, fire and rescue teams, insurance providers, legal services, community colleges, and local leaders collectively offering essential resources and support to underserved families in Suitland and neighboring DC communities.

Beyond her professional commitments, Gloria has been married for 38 years and is the proud mother of two children. She enjoys cruising, watching comedy sitcoms, and relaxing with Lifetime movies.