H9 - Culture by Design, not Default: Building Intentional Leadership, Value Alignment and Employee Experience

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MDT

Location: Bluebird 1C

Culture happens—either by design or by default. This session explores how to build an intentional culture through values-based leadership development, inclusive employee experience strategies, and aligned internal practices. Participants will learn how to assess cultural alignment, engage staff at all levels, and implement meaningful actions that reinforce mission, values, and belonging. Walk away with tools to shift your culture from passive to purpose-driven.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define the concept of “culture by design” and how it differs from unintentional culture drift.
2. Identify leadership development, values activation, and employee experience as levers for culture shaping.
3. Assess the current state of cultural alignment in their own organizations, and apply a framework for designing intentional, inclusive, and values-driven organizational culture.

Disclosure(s):

Melissa Santos, BSW: No financial relationships to disclose

Elias Ehrheart, MA: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

Melissa Santos, BSW

Vice President of Workforce & Business Development
Community Solutions
Gilroy, California

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides Handouts
Elias Ehrheart, MA

Chief People & Culture Officer
Community Solutions
Gilroy, California

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose