EP 4: The Alzenia Project’s Cynthia Plouché: Finding Belonging and Purpose in Your Career

What does it really take to build a meaningful career when you don’t have it all figured out?In this conversation, Cynthia Plouché, Founder & CEO of The Alzenia Project, joins Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, for an honest discussion about navigating career uncertainty, leadership, and purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from being one of fewer than 40 Black women in her Radcliffe class to leading multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios and serving on corporate boards.Together, Cynthia and Ashley explore what belonging really means, how mentorship often shows up in unexpected ways, and why taking on unglamorous opportunities and building relationships can matter just as much as technical skills.Designed with students and early-career professionals in mind, this interview offers practical insight into finding your voice, embracing uncertainty, and building a career rooted in purpose and impact.Key themes:* Belonging and identity* Mentorship that happens organically* Career growth through unexpected opportunities* Leadership without having a perfect planWhether you’re exploring your path or rethinking your next step, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical wisdom.