For more than a decade Jama Shelton has worked in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth homelessness. After receiving a master of social work in 2004, Shelton began a nine-year stint at the Ali Forney Center, an organization that provides housing and supportive services for LGBT youth experiencing homelessness. During her tenure there she played an integral role in the building of the most expansive housing program in the nation for LGBT youth. Having worked in various roles (first as a direct service provider, then developing and directing the expansion of their housing program, and finally as a researcher, program evaluation and trainer), Jama brings a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing both homeless LGBT youth and the service providers with whom they work.