Sonya Smith
Secretary, Arts and Dreams Foundation
Professional Biography
Sonya Smith is an internationally acclaimed actress whose distinguished career spans over three decades across television, film, and theater in both Latin American and American markets. With a bicultural identity shaped by her birth in Philadelphia, USA, and upbringing in Venezuela, Ms. Smith has cultivated a unique artistic sensibility that bridges cultures and resonates with diverse global audiences. Her professional trajectory exemplifies artistic excellence, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling across multiple media platforms.
International Television Career
Ms. Smith achieved her breakthrough leading role in the internationally successful telenovela Cara Sucia, which was broadcast in over 80 countries and established her as a rising talent in Latin American television. This success catalyzed a series of prominent roles in major productions including Rosangélica, María Celeste, Guajira, and Destino de Mujer, demonstrating her ability to embody complex characters and connect with audiences across cultural boundaries.
In 2000, Ms. Smith strategically relocated to Los Angeles, California, expanding her professional reach within the broader international entertainment industry. This transition enabled her to pursue opportunities across both Spanish-language and English-language markets, further establishing her versatility and cross-cultural appeal.
Her subsequent television work includes starring roles in widely recognized productions such as Olvidarte Jamás, Milagros, Acorralada, Pecados Ajenos, Dónde Está Elisa, Tierra de Reyes, Marido en Alquiler, and Vuélveme a Querer. These performances showcase her range across dramatic genres and her consistent ability to deliver compelling portrayals that resonate with diverse audience demographics.
Most recently, Ms. Smith has appeared in major streaming and network productions including principal roles in both seasons of Falsa Identidad (Argos TV/Telemundo), the Disney+ series El Repatriado, and 4 Ever alongside the musical group CNCO. Her special appearance in Telemundo's 2025 production Velvet: El Nuevo Imperio reaffirms her continued prominence in prestigious international productions.
Film Portfolio
Ms. Smith's film career reflects the same artistic range and professional caliber that characterizes her television work. Her cinema credits include significant roles in Cyxork7 alongside Ray Wise, Ladrón que Roba Ladrón with Saúl Lisazo and Miguel Varoni, Bajo la Misma Luna featuring Kate del Castillo, Hunted by Night with Jean Carlos Canela, I Didn't Know Who I Was alongside Steven Bauer, and most recently The Unexpecteds with Matt Walsh.
Healthcare Profession and Humanitarian Commitment
In 2016, Ms. Smith completed her nursing degree, pursuing a parallel vocation that reflects her profound sense of empathy and dedication to caring for others. She maintains an active nursing practice, providing direct healthcare services while balancing her continued artistic career.
This dual professional identity enriches both dimensions of her work: her medical training enhances her understanding of human vulnerability, resilience, and the healing process, while her artistic sensibility brings compassion and presence to her healthcare practice. The integration of these vocations exemplifies her holistic approach to human wellbeing and her commitment to service beyond the entertainment industry.
Philanthropic Leadership and Social Impact
In 2026, Ms. Smith co-founded Arts and Dreams Foundation in partnership with Reinaldo R. López, leveraging her extensive entertainment industry experience, cultural platform, and healthcare expertise to create transformative opportunities for underserved populations. Through the Foundation, she directs her artistic knowledge, professional network, and humanitarian commitment toward developing innovative programs that integrate creative expression with comprehensive holistic care.
Her leadership vision for Arts and Dreams Foundation synthesizes her understanding of the arts as a catalyst for healing and transformation with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, educational opportunities, and wellness services. Ms. Smith's unique combination of international artistic achievement, healthcare expertise, and bicultural perspective positions her as an influential voice for arts-based social intervention and community empowerment.
Professional Summary
Current Positions:
International Actress (Television, Film & Theater)
Licensed Practical Nurse
Co-Founder, Arts and Dreams Foundation (2026–Present)
Core Competencies
International Television & Film Performance
Cross-Cultural Communication & Representation
Healthcare & Patient Care (Registered Nurse)
Nonprofit Leadership & Social Entrepreneurship
Arts-Based Community Development
Cultural Advocacy & Representation
Bilingual Proficiency (English/Spanish)
Media Relations & Public Engagement
Beyond her artistic achievements, Ms. Smith holds a nursing degree earned in 2016, demonstrating her commitment to service and care for others. In 2026, she co-founded Arts and Dreams Foundation alongside Reinaldo R. López, channeling her artistic expertise and humanitarian values into transformative social impact through arts-based programming and holistic care.