This article was originally written by Daizha R. and appeared on LinkedIn.

Nobody throws a networking event quite like Zillow, and trust me, I’ve been to a few! I had the privilege of being an Ambassador at what I can honestly say was one of the most incredible networking events I’ve ever been to: Black Tech Night. From the moment I walked through the doors, it was clear — this wasn’t just any event, this was a whole vibe. Never in my professional life have I felt so seen, celebrated and surrounded by such an amazing community of unique, beautiful individuals.

Why Black Tech Night matters

Black Tech Night is a hosted event in partnership with Tech@Night (an arm of the City of Seattle) with a focus on revitalizing downtown Seattle, and an emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Zillow is a partner of SeaCiti and we really showed up and showed out with this partnership.

Hosted at the stunning gallery AXIS in Pioneer Square, the energy in the room was undeniable. The space itself set the tone for the night, but it was the people who truly made it magical. As soon as the DJ starting playing all the favorite songs and the friendly staff kept the food flowing, I knew we were in for something special. Oh, and let’s talk about that 360 photo booth! Watching people hop on, strike a pose and get captured from all angles was just too much fun.

Another highlight: The incredible lineup of local Black-owned businesses that had pop-ups ready to go before the doors even opened. People were literally lined up outside, buzzing with excitement, eager to get in early. That’s when I knew — this night was going to be unforgettable.

Leadership lessons from the panel

Kicking off the night’s panel was none other than Roz Harris , Zillow’s VP of Talent Acquisition, Engagement & Belonging. From the moment she took the stage, Roz set the perfect tone, giving a warm and powerful welcome that resonated with everyone in the room. She spoke passionately about the importance of finding a sense of belonging in your job — finding a company that not only sees you but aligns with your core values. And let me tell you, she had everyone thinking. It was like the entire room paused for a moment to reflect on whether we were living that truth ourselves. Were we aligning our careers with our values? It was an incredibly inclusive message that truly hit home, no matter where you came from or what your background was.

After Roz’s powerful welcome, she passed the mic to her good friend and our host for the night, Charles Kuykendoll. As the emcee, Charles brought nothing but energy and laughs, instantly lighting up the room. He shared a bit of his own journey, recalling stories from his college days when he was the go-to guy for throwing parties and bringing people together. What stood out most was how he connected those early experiences to his career today — by staying true to who he is and embracing his natural talents, he carved out a path that turned out bigger than he could’ve ever imagined. It was a reminder to all of us to lean into what makes us us, because that’s where the magic happens.

Stories that sparked inspiration

Charles then kicked off a series of fantastic conversations featuring our panelists: Michelle Dean, Craig Campbell, Ralph McNeal and Arielle Julie. Each of these leaders brought their own unique expertise, and while their backgrounds were diverse and wildly successful, they all shared one common sentiment — the importance of leadership and making an impact in your role. Whether you’re at the IC level or climbing the ladder to the C-suite, their stories and advice were packed with insights that hit home for everyone in the room. It was amazing to see how they broke it down, offering tips and tricks that were not only practical but also deeply inspiring.

As soon as the panel wrapped up, more connections continued. I kid you not, moments after the panelists left the stage, the room turned into an instant party. The energy? Absolutely contagious. People were diving into conversations, exchanging contacts and just vibing — it was electric.

At one point — and I swear I’m not making this up — we were doing the electric slide. Yes, you read that right. Laughter, joy and conversation filled the room like we were at a family reunion. It was one of those rare moments where you look around, and you can feel the sense of belonging. People weren’t just networking; they were connecting on a deeper level, and it felt like everyone had found their place. It was almost impossible to get the group focused again because the excitement just wouldn’t let up. It felt like home, like we were all part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

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