CALI has named Aisha Elnour and Kristen Agius as the first of ten ReCALIbrate recipients in its expanded 2026 program, backing them to help shape what comes next for the risk advice profession.
Both recipients will receive $2,000 to support their attendance at the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Melbourne from 24 – 26 November.
Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) CEO Christine Cupitt said strengthening the pipeline of professional risk advisers was vital to helping more Australians make informed decisions about protecting their financial future.
“The future of life insurance and financial risk advice will be shaped by the people we back today,” Ms Cupitt said.
“Aisha and Kristen bring different experiences to risk advice, but they share a deep belief in the difference it can make when people face some of life’s hardest moments.
“By helping talented women like these to build their skills, networks, and visibility, we are investing in a stronger future for the advice profession.”
Brisbane-based risk adviser Aisha Elnour, who recently completed her professional year, said her experience of migrating to Australia shaped her commitment to financial security and risk advice.
“I came to Australia from a background where security and opportunity could never be taken for granted. That experience shaped how I see the world,” Ms Elnour said.
“Life insurance is not simply a product or a policy; it can preserve a family’s dignity, choices, and financial stability at the moment they need it most.
“ReCALIbrate will help me broaden my technical knowledge, strengthen my confidence, and build relationships beyond my immediate professional network.”
Sydney-based financial adviser Kristen Agius has worked in risk advice for 10 years, progressing from administration and paraplanning roles to becoming a financial adviser.
“Risk advisers can have a profound impact on people’s lives at the worst possible time in their lives. The role we play in enabling individuals and businesses to insure against death and disability is pivotal to protecting families, society, and the economy,” Ms Agius said.
“ReCALIbrate will help me develop my communication and leadership skills, build relationships with more women in the profession, and shape what the future may look like for me.”
FAAA CEO Sarah Abood said the Congress would give both recipients an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of professional advice.
“Australia needs more skilled financial advisers who can make a huge positive difference in people’s lives,” Ms Abood said.
“We look forward to welcoming Aisha and Kristen to the FAAA Congress, where they can strengthen their professional networks, exchange ideas, and bring new insights back to their clients and communities.”
ReCALIbrate has supported 15 women financial risk advisers to attend the FAAA Congress since the program began in 2023.
This year, CALI doubled and expanded ReCALIbrate from five grants to ten career-shaping opportunities for women across life insurance and financial risk advice. Aisha and Kristen are the first recipients announced under the expanded program.
The eight women selected for the new 12-month ReCALIbrate Women in Life Insurance Program, delivered in partnership with Future Women, will be announced in November 2026, completing the 2026 ReCALIbrate cohort.
For more information https://cali.org.au/recalibrate/.