Sultan Shakir

Sultan is the Executive Director of SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), an organization that works to support and empower queer and trans youth in the Washington, DC, metro area. SMYAL works to expand opportunities for young LGBTQ people through youth empowerment and providing culturally competent programming and support. Sultan has worked to increase SMYAL’s impact through expanding the organization’s ability to reach a broader range of young people. The organization provides housing to youth experiencing homelessness, offers safe and affirming support to youth as young as 6 and their families, and works in communities and schools in DC, MD, and VA to ensure youth have the support they need to thrive.