This article was originally written by Tori S. and appeared on LinkedIn.

Who runs the world? Girls. And at the Create & Cultivate Festival, they showed up in full force. With more than 4,000 trailblazing leaders, visionary founders, powerhouse CEOs and bold creators in attendance, the event was a vibrant celebration of ambition, innovation and meaningful connection. It was a weekend defined by inspiring stories, unapologetic drive and the unstoppable energy of women lifting each other up.

As a first-time attendee, I didn’t know exactly what to expect — but I was blown away. The entrepreneurs I met weren’t just dreamers — they were doers. They walked the walk (in fabulous shoes, of course), and brought an infectious confidence that fueled every moment of the festival.

From the second I stepped into the Rolling Greens event space in downtown Los Angeles, I could feel the magic. Bright smiles, buzzing conversations and that rare kind of spark you feel when you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. The energy in the room was electric, and so was the inspiration.

Zillow x Create & Cultivate: A perfect match

Zillow’s partnership with Create & Cultivate added an unforgettable layer to the weekend. This wasn’t just about having a booth or a logo — it was about showing up with intention. From unfiltered, honest conversations to authentic moments of connection, Zillow’s presence reflected what we stand for: inclusivity, belonging and bold ideas.

One phrase we heard again and again from attendees? “I love Zillow.”

That enthusiasm wasn’t just flattering — it set the tone for meaningful interactions. Our partnership with Paperclip, a premium baby brand known for its elevated design and functionality, created a standout presence that drew crowds and sparked conversations.

Spotlight on innovation: Jamie Lopez on the power of flexibility

A standout moment came when Jamie Lopez, our VP of Product Development Operations, took center stage. Her talk on empowering employees through Cloud HQ captured the audience’s attention — and their imagination. She emphasized how giving teams the freedom to work where they’re most inspired leads to greater innovation, stronger collaboration and transformative outcomes.

Cloud HQ isn’t just a tech solution — it’s a mindset shift. One that helps redefine what work can look like for modern teams and enables every employee to thrive.

A takeaway for the future

Create & Cultivate was more than just a festival — it was a powerful opportunity for attendees (and future candidates!) to engage with Zillow’s mission, culture, and people. Events like this are a reminder: never underestimate the value of showing up with curiosity, asking great questions, and finding ways to stand out.

I hope everyone who visited left with a sense of belonging—and a deeper understanding of our bold vision for the future. At Zillow, we’re not just building products—we’re building a culture where everyone can feel at home.

Learn more about how you can grow your career with Zillow.