From rural Queensland to the Perth coast, five remarkable women are being recognised through the 2025 ReCALIbrate program, each carving a unique path in financial risk advice.
Now in its third year, ReCALIbrate continues to highlight the women shaping the future of risk advice. Each recipient receives a $2,000 grant to attend the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Perth, helping cover the costs that can hold women back from industry events, such as time off work, travel, accommodation or childcare.
The 2025 ReCALIbrate recipients are:
- Zoe Kennedy, Financial Adviser, Whitsunday Wealth
- Natalie Lackner, Life Insurance Specialist, Parachute Cover
- Alyssa Turner, Financial Adviser, My Fortress Townsville
- Clare Telford, Provisional Financial Adviser, Purely Finance
- Kristy Mitchell, Director & Life Insurance Specialist, Stella Advice
CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said this year’s recipients highlight the diversity and leadership women in advice are bringing to their profession.
“Each of these women is a role model in her community and represents the future of the advice profession,” said Ms Cupitt.
“We’ve seen the ripple effect of ReCALIbrate firsthand, from the confidence it builds in women advisers to the way it changes conversations across the industry.
“That’s why we’ve expanded the program to include more mentoring, more visibility and more opportunities to lead.”
Recipients will gain exclusive support, including access to CALI’s women’s mentoring network, media training and visibility tools, industry speaking opportunities, a complimentary ticket to CALI’s Annual Conference, and a meet-and-greet with CALI in Perth.
Reflecting on her selection, regional financial adviser and 2025 ReCALIbrate recipient Zoe Kennedy said:
“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.
“My vision is to build an accessible platform where women can find practical resources about life insurance and advice and be empowered to make confident informed decisions that protect them and their families.”
Another 2025 recipient, Natalie Lackner, who recently ventured out into her own life insurance advice business said:
“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.
“For me, clarity and confidence are at the heart of great advice. This experience allows me to share that message, advocate for the vital role life insurance plays in protecting women, families, businesses and communities, and learn from others who share the same passion.”
FAAA CEO Sarah Abood said the program plays a powerful role in keeping the profession inclusive and future focused.
“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,” Ms Abood said.
To learn more about this year’s recipients, visit: www.cali.org.au/recalibrate-2025