The Competitive Edge: Creating a Learning Culture That Fuels Performance

What does it truly mean to build a learning-first organization?

Just like a great sports team, a thriving workplace learning culture doesn’t happen by accident—it takes strategy, training, and teamwork. In this dynamic panel discussion, industry leaders will share how they build championship-worthy learning cultures that drive engagement, innovation, and business success. We’ll explore the winning plays behind continuous learning, how technology fuels learning and development, and how to overcome the toughest challenges along the way. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your game plan or draft a whole new strategy, this session will provide expert insights to help your organization stay ahead of the competition. Stay until the final whistle for a live audience Q&A, where you can ask our experts your biggest questions about creating a winning learning culture.

Learning Objectives: 

• • 1. Understand what a culture of learning really means – and why it’s a game-changer
    2. Learn how to build and sustain a learning culture in your organization
    3. Understand how to measure success and ensure learning initiatives create real impact

Erin Santoro | Manager of Learning and Development, Healthesystems

Erin taught elementary school in New Jersey for 17 years before moving to Florida, where she worked as an Assistant Principal. In July 2022, she joined Healthesystems as a Learning Consultant and is now the Manager of Learning and Development, designing and delivering learning solutions for diverse stakeholders. Erin’s current professional passion is supporting leadership at Healthelearning to provide all team members with individualized support for their growth. In her spare time, she spends time with her daughter and enjoys interior design and all things reality tv.

Janeen Carrano | Training Manager, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA)

Janeen is a dedicated educator and trainer with a strong background in teaching, leadership, and psychology. Holding a teaching certification and a Masters in Teaching, she began her career in education, fostering student growth and development. Janeen later advanced into leadership as a Director of Supplemental Education, where she guided students, families and programs to enhance learning beyond the classroom. Building on this experience, Janeen earned a Masters in Applied Psychology, deepening her understanding of human behavior, motivation, and learning strategies. This expertise now informs her role as a trainer, where she designs and delivers impactful professional development programs. Passionate about education and continuous learning, Janeen combines instructional best practices with psychological insights to empower individuals and teams to excel.

Sabrina Cervantes Villa | Human-Centered Design Specialist, Align Technology, Inc.

Sabrina Cervantes Villa is a human-centered design specialist dedicated to education and community. Her diverse experience spans K-12 classrooms to corporate learning environments. With expertise in user experience research, Sabrina transforms end-user insights into impactful learning experiences, workshops, marketing campaigns, and job aids. Currently, she supports over 23,000 employees at Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign.

Liza Mucheru Wisner | Enterprise Curator, OpenSesame

Award-winning television personality Liza Mucheru Wisner is an Enterprise Talent Development Strategist, Ethical AI & Workforce Transformation Leader, Keynote Speaker, and a top 3 finalist on the television show The Apprentice on NBC. Liza serves her community as an Enterprise Curator at OpenSesame, on a mission to develop the world’s most productive, admired, and inclusive workforces. She leads strategic initiatives for more inclusivity in human capital services and works directly with many organizations all over the world to make their products and services connect better with their teams and their community. Professionally trained in computer science and educational technology, Liza has built an incredible career and has turned her love of human capital optimization and process automation into a fulfilling life. Liza is also the founder of social organizations, including the non-profit, PowerUp.org whose mission is to bridge the divide and provide opportunities where everyone rises up.