Erin Whelan
She/Her
Executive Director
Erin Whelan (she/her) has served as SMYAL’s Executive Director since September 2023 where her leadership continues to bolster the organization as a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth in Washington, DC. Erin brings nearly 20 years of innovative experience in nonprofit management, team cultivation, program development and oversight, and community collaboration.
Before joining SMYAL, Erin served as the Director of the $11.5 million Housing and Homeless Services program at LifeWorks in Austin, Texas. In that role, she was instrumental in providing housing and services to thousands of youth annually. Her extensive background in the Homeless Response System in Austin and her contribution to the National Movement to End Youth Homelessness have endowed her with a unique skill set for convening stakeholders, influencing leaders, and creating meaningful partnerships that drive impactful results.
Since joining SMYAL, Erin has spearheaded several successful initiatives that have significantly expanded the organization’s outreach and support services. Her strategic vision and hands-on approach have strengthened programs designed to meet the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ youth, fostering an environment where young people can thrive.
Erin’s multifaceted life experiences—as a queer woman, licensed therapist, Taurus, and mother—enhance her approach to her work empowering queer and trans youth.
