EP 13: 2045 Ventures & MiLA Capital's Carmen Palafox: Venture Capital & Frontier Technologies

EP 13: 2045 Ventures & MiLA Capital's Carmen Palafox: Venture Capital & Frontier Technologies

In this episode of Rocking Finance, CEO Ashley Leftwich sits down with venture capitalist Carmen Palafox to explore the fast-paced world of venture capital, innovation, and leadership. Carmen shares her journey from studying economics at USC and building her career at Dimensional Fund Advisors to becoming a founding partner at 2045 Ventures, where she backs groundbreaking startups at the earliest stages. Together, they discuss what makes a great founder, why diverse teams drive stronger outcomes, how resilience shapes success, and the young professionals can apply as they pursue careers in finance. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more career insights. Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com [http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com] Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

EP 12: RTSWS Alum Marilyn Shi: The Power of Early Opportunity

In this episode of Rocking Finance, we sit down with RTSWS alum Marilyn Shi, who first joined Rock The Street, Wall Street as a High School student, where she served as her cohort's Student CEO. Now a rising senior at the Wharton School studying Economics and a member of the RTSWS Alumni Advisory Council, Marilyn reflects on the experiences that have shaped her academic and professional journey. Marilyn shares the lasting impact of RTSWS, how internships, campus leadership, and meaningful networking opportunities have influenced her career aspirations. From the confidence and financial knowledge she gained to exploring careers in finance, Marilyn's story reminds listeners of the impact of Rock The Street, Wall Street programs. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more career insights. Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com [http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com] Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

EP 11: CFA Institute's Tricia Rothschild: Building a Career with Innovation

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Tricia Rothschild, Interim Chief Executive Officer at CFA Institute about leading organizations through periods of innovation. From helping to scale businesses with more than two decades at Morningstar to leading the CFA Institute, Tricia talks about her career journey, finding your inspiration and advice for the next generation. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more career insights. Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com [http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com] Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

EP 10: Author of Women and Wealth Cary Carbonaro: Power of Early Planning & Confidence with Money

In this episode of Rocking Finance, Rock The Street, Wall Street CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks with Cary Carbonaro, wealth advisor and author of Women and Wealth, about the power of financial literacy, early planning and building confidence with money. Cary shares personal stories and practical advice from her book, showing how students and professionals alike can take control of their finances and plan for the future. From the time value of money to simple ways to build trust, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow their financial knowledge. Background on the Speakers: Cary Carbonaro Cary Carbonaro is an award-winning Certified Financial Planner, Managing Wealth Advisor and longtime advocate for women in finance. She is the author of The Money Queen’s Guide and Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortunes. Cary has over 25 years of experience in the industry and has served as a CFP Board Ambassador. Named to Investopedia’s Top 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors, Cary earned Investment News’ DEI Trailblazer of the Year award and was the only woman appointed to the Nasdaq Index Advisory Council in 2024. Ashley Leftwich Ashley Leftwich is the CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street. RTSWS empowers high school and university students by bringing the M in STEM to life through a focus on Financial & Investment fundamentals. The nonprofit provides industry access and guidance to students and alumni, supporting their journey from classrooms to careers while fostering expanded participation in the capital markets. Ashley has a background in mathematics and is committed to helping students gain the skills and confidence to help them succeed in finance and beyond. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more career insights. Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com [http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com] Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.

EP 9: Manulife John Hancock Investments' President & CEO Kristie Feinberg: The Three L's

Join RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich as she speaks to 2026 Rock The Street, Wall Street's Woman of the Year, Kristie Feinberg. Kristie is the President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments with a career and leadership journey that is inspiring and deeply grounded in purpose. In this episode of Rocking Finance, Kristie shares thoughtful reflections on the Three L's: Leadership, Lessons Learned & Looking Forward. She dives into leadership, resilience, mentorship, as well as the importance of creating access and opportunity for the next generation. Learn more about Rock The Street, Wall Street and our mission to bring the M in STEM to life: http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com [http://rockthestreetwallstreet.com] Disclaimer: All financial and investment information contained in this podcast is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this podcast, you do so at your own risk.