The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has selected five women from across Australia as recipients of its 2025 ReCALIbrate program, a grant initiative aimed at supporting the participation and professional development of women in financial risk advice.
Each recipient will receive $2,000 to assist with expenses related to attending the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Perth, including travel, accommodation, and other costs that can limit access to industry events.
The 2025 cohort includes:
These professionals represent a cross-section of the sector, working in both regional and metropolitan areas and holding various roles within the risk advice field.
CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said the program’s expansion this year is intended to provide additional mentoring and leadership opportunities.
“Each of these women is a role model in her community and represents the future of the advice profession,” she said.
She noted that the program’s impact extends beyond the individual recipients, influencing broader industry conversations and confidence among women advisers.
“That’s why we’ve expanded the program to include more mentoring, more visibility, and more opportunities to lead,” Cupitt said.
Alongside the financial grant, recipients will have access to CALI’s women’s mentoring network, media training, industry speaking opportunities, a complimentary ticket to CALI’s Annual Conference, and a meet-and-greet with CALI in Perth.
Zoe Kennedy, who provides financial advice in regional Queensland, said the program offers a platform to connect with experienced mentors and to promote the value of advice in regional communities.
“The chance to be mentored by industry change-makers and amplify the voice of women in advice is priceless. I am passionate about bringing quality advice to regional Australians, they’re my community,” she said.
She described her goal as building resources that help women make informed decisions about life insurance.
Natalie Lackner, who recently established her own life insurance advice business, said the grant recognises the importance of supporting women in the sector.
“This grant means being part of an initiative that champions women in advice. It is inspiring, because when women are supported and connected, the entire profession grows stronger,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of clarity and confidence in the advice process and the opportunity to advocate for the role of life insurance in protecting clients.
FAAA CEO Sarah Abood commented that the ReCALIbrate program addresses practical challenges that women encounter in building careers in advice.
“ReCALIbrate is one of the few programs that addresses the real-world barriers women face when building their advice careers. We’re excited to welcome the 2025 recipients to Perth – their energy, diversity and fresh perspectives on the Congress,” she said.
Further details about the 2025 ReCALIbrate recipients and the program are available at CALI’s website.
