Celebrating Black History Month: A Conversation with Reynisha Armand, BSN, LifeGift Manager of Organ Clinical Operations/Fort Worth

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey?

My journey is defined by a commitment to service that spans continents and roles. Born in Panama City, Panama, I carry my Afro-Latina heritage with me as I navigated a move to Texas for nursing school and eventually served in the U.S. Army. My time as a Soldier, including a tour in Iraq, instilled in me a resilience that I brought back to Fort Worth.

Transitioning from a Medical Platoon Leader in the field to the ICU at John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS), I discovered my calling in the organ donation industry. What began as a role assisting with translations for LifeGift coordinators blossomed into a career as a Donation Clinical Specialist. I am proud to have spent over a decade acting as a bridge between tragedy and hope as one of the Managers of Organ Clinical Operations in the Fort Worth Office.

What experiences have most shaped who you are today?

Two primary experiences have fundamentally shaped who I am today:

Working on the “front lines” of donation since 2011, I have sat with families on the worst days of their lives. These interactions taught me that even in the depths of grief, there is a profound privilege in offering a second chance at life. It shaped my professional identity as a “servant leader” within the clinical space.

On November 17th 2025, the industry I served for years became personal. Watching my Aunt battle viral hepatitis and liver failure diagnosed one week prior—seeing her struggle through—shifted my perspective forever. Witnessing her receiving a transplant just 10 days after her birthday gave me a new, visceral understanding of the emotional weight carried by recipient families. The “emotional” calls for a liver were no longer just clinical milestones; they were family miracles.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to make an impact in their community?

Based on my experiences in the military, healthcare, and donation advocacy, here is my advice for those hoping to make a difference:

• Cultivate a Servant’s Heart: Impact isn’t about recognition; it’s about the quiet moments where you can be helpful to others. Whether it’s translating for a family in need or supporting a colleague, lead with the intent to serve.

• Bridge the Gap with Empathy: My ability to translate was more than just moving between Spanish and English; it was about translating comfort and clarity. Use your unique background – your culture, your language, or your specialized skills—to help people feel seen and understood in moments of crisis.

• Remember the Power of Resilience: Whether you are recovering from a medical discharge or watching a loved one fight for their life, your struggle can become your strength. Use your personal trials to build a deeper well of empathy for those you help.

• Celebrate the “Second Chances”: Impact is measured in the lives changed. When you see someone that you love and care for (my aunt) recovering and getting adjusted to a new liver, it reminds you that every effort you put into your community contributes to a larger story of hope and renewal.