Issac Lara

Advisor
NAMI Next Gen

Ernesto Isaac Lara (he/him) is a youth well-being activist, lived experience researcher, and peer support advocate on a mission to create a happier, healthier global community.

Rooted in his healing journey living with CPTSD, Isaac has dedicated his early career to expanding access to peer support training and services. Currently, Isaac works at the Mental Health for All Lab at Harvard Medical School, where he leads the EMPOWER Peer Support Initiative. This endeavor aims to develop a digital, global peer support curriculum to equip those with lived experience of recovery to support others earlier in their healing journey. Beyond his full-time role, Isaac furthers his mission as an advisor and consultant to organizations such as the Global Mental Health Peer Network, Stanford Psychiatry, and Lancet Psychiatry. In recognition of his advocacy and research, he was awarded the 2024 Mental Health America mPower Award.

As a NAMI Next Gen Advisor, Isaac is leveraging his peer support and global mental health expertise to advance youth peer support training and services nationwide through program development and legislative efforts.

Isaac enjoys discovering new food, thrifting, gaming, and spending time at home with his Yorkie in his free time.