Caro Cruys and Dr. Lara Gerassi highlights the importance of elevating voices with lived experience in social service leadership. Caro and Dr. Gerassi explore how individuals who have firsthand knowledge of systemic challenges bring invaluable perspectives to policy, advocacy, and service delivery. This session will inspire and equip social service professionals to recognize the power of lived experience in creating more effective, empathetic, and impactful services.