What the Houston Zoo Can Teach Us About Workplace Culture

Jun 3, 2026

In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo.

Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Houston Zoo has cultivated a culture of connection among its staff, the role leadership plays in fostering it, and the benefits a friendship-forward workplace can have for both employees and organizational success.

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-zoo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/