Peer leadership is one of the most powerful forces in mental health advocacy, yet many individuals are unsure how to step into leadership roles—or how to support others who are ready to lead. This session, led by the leadership team of the NAMI Peer Leadership Council (PLC), will explore what peer leadership truly means, how it differs from peer support roles, and how lived experience can be transformed into meaningful, sustainable leadership within the mental health movement. The Chair and Vice Chair of the NAMI Peer Leadership Council will begin by grounding participants in the importance of peer leadership at local, state, and national levels. They will clarify the distinction between a peer leader and a peer specialist, highlighting how these roles differ in scope, purpose, and impact, while emphasizing how both are essential to a strong and responsive mental health ecosystem. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of where peer leadership fits within NAMI’s broader advocacy, education, and systems-change work. The Second Vice Chair of the PLC will then focus on one of the most common barriers to leadership: self-doubt. Drawing from lived experience, this portion of the session emphasizes that the most important qualifications for peer leadership are not titles or credentials, but story, effort, and willingness to show up. Participants will learn how personal narratives can be used ethically and effectively in leadership spaces, and how peer leaders can honor their own boundaries while still leading with authenticity. The Secretary of the PLC will conclude the session with a discussion on Transformational Leadership as a tool for burnout prevention to help combat the ever-growing problem of advocate burnout. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Explain the role and value of peer leadership within NAMI Understand the distinction between peer leaders and peer specialists Identify first steps toward becoming or supporting peer leaders Use Transformational Leadership principles to reduce burnout and promote resilience This session is designed for peers at all stages, allies, and organizational leaders seeking to build inclusive, sustainable peer leadership pathways.