Conference Speakers
A great line up of speakers will be presenting at the My Money Matters: Building Financial Literacy for Every Woman 2025 Conference. We are pleased to share their photos and brief bios below.
Karen Eley - Keynote & Workshop presenter
With over 20 years’ experience as a financial adviser, Karen Eley is a financial educator and money coach dedicated to teaching financial literacy and empowering women. She is a financial commentator appearing regularly on radio, podcasts and news media. As a former shoe addict (yes, she understands the temptation of wants vs saving) she is committed to showing women what’s possible with money in an engaging way, from both a practical and emotional perspective.
Keynote: Your Money Psychology
Money isn’t just numbers—it’s deeply tied to how we think, feel, and behave. Discover how your relationship with money shapes every financial decision. Karen reveals the psychology behind money habits and shares practical, mindful strategies to shift unhelpful behaviours and build confidence, clarity, and healthier financial conversations.
Workshops:
How to Start Share Investing – The Basics Explained
In this session, financial coach Karen Eley demystifies share investing, breaking down the jargon and showing you how to start with as little as $5. You’ll learn the difference between saving and investing, key risks to watch for, and a simple step-by-step framework to create your own investing plan with confidence.
Superannuation & Looking After Your Future You
Your future self is depending on the choices you make today. Learn how super works, what you’ll need for retirement, and simple strategies to grow your savings and maximise your super. Karen explains super in simple terms—how much you’ll need, how to read your statement, contribution, investment and insurance options—so you can take confident steps toward financial freedom in retirement.
amy springhall - Keynote presenter
Amy Springhall is the founder of The Visibility Project, a leading talent agency and accelerator dedicated to increasing the visibility and impact of female leaders, experts, and speakers. With a background in strategic communications, media relations, and politics, Amy brings more than a decade of experience helping women step confidently into the spotlight.
As a communications specialist, professional mentor, and sought-after speaker, Amy works with individuals and organisations to elevate their influence—both internally and publicly. Through her Visible Leaders program, she trains leaders and teams to become powerful brand ambassadors in an era where “people follow people.”
Amy has supported leaders across major banks, ASX-listed companies, non-profits, startups, and social enterprises. Her work spans public relations, strategic positioning, social media, and advisory services—all with a focus on building meaningful visibility for women in business and leadership.
Amy is also a writer and event host, with features in Women’s Agenda, SmartCompany, BroadAgenda, and Business Chicks. Her mission is simple but powerful: more visible women, leading with impact.
megan heyward - Keynote presenter
Megan Heyward is a licensed menopause expert and the founder of Mimi Moon Meno, a pioneering menopause concierge service dedicated to guiding women through one of life’s most challenging transitions.
After a successful career in the property industry, Megan’s personal journey through perimenopause ignited her mission to bring visibility to a subject too often kept in the shadows. Initially attributing her symptoms to stress and burnout, she endured years of misdiagnoses before discovering the true cause: perimenopause.
Today, Megan speaks with passion and authority about the untold realities women face every day, and how we can change the conversation around menopause. She highlights the critical intersections between menopause, divorce, and the housing crisis—drawing attention to the alarming rise in homelessness among older women.
Through Mimi Moon Meno, Megan delivers transformative workshops that empower women to reclaim their health and voice during this life stage. In 2024, she spoke at the Senate Inquiry into Menopause in Australia and was quoted multiple times in the report that was handed down.
Megan’s mission is to challenge the stigma, elevate awareness, and advocate for systemic change—ensuring no woman has to face this journey alone.
Keynote:
Unlocking the Power of Midlife: Menopause, Workplace Equity & Economic Resilience
This keynote explores the hidden dynamics of menopause; what it is, why breaking the silence matters, and how stigma from past generations continues to shape today’s workplaces and lives. We’ll examine the critical intersections between menopause, workplace equity, and women’s economic security, uncovering the often-overlooked links with divorce, workplace exits, and homelessness among older women. Guided by movement, mindset and modify, we’ll see how movement breaks the silence, mindset shifts culture and modify creates systems of lasting support. While menopause can be destabilising, the truth is clear: midlife women are not a problem, they are the solution. They’re driving business growth, with one-third of new Australian enterprises founded by those over 50, and they bring immense value to solving workforce shortages and building economic resilience. Let’s reframe midlife as a moment of leadership, inclusion, and opportunity.
Stephanie Jefferson – Workshop Presenter
With over nine years of experience in the banking industry, Stephanie Jefferson brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and heart to her role as a Senior Home Lending Specialist with Commonwealth Bank.
Her career began at the frontline as a teller, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service and financial operations. Driven by a passion for helping people, she quickly progressed to become a Personal Banker, and later took on leadership roles that deepened her understanding of banking and team management.
Stephanie’s transition into lending was a natural evolution of her commitment to supporting customers through life’s most important financial decisions. She thrives on guiding individuals and families through the home buying journey, ensuring they feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Her approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and a genuine desire to make home ownership a reality for her clients.
Workshop:
Pathway to Property – A Bank’s Perspective
Looking to buy your first home or invest in property but not sure where to start? Join This workshop our lending specialist will break down the process in simple terms. We’ll cover everything from saving for a deposit to understanding your borrowing options and building long-term wealth through property. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next move, this session is designed to support and empower you on your property journey.
Mary Palaric - workshop presenter
She has recently joined 28th Street Agency, one of Australia’s leading Buyers Agencies as a Property Strategist.
Workshop Title:
Breaking Barriers: Your Roadmap to Property Ownership (Even with Little or No Money)
Owning property might feel out of reach – especially if you’re starting with limited savings, credit challenges, or zero experience. But what if the path was simpler (and closer) than you think?
In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn practical, real-world strategies to start your journey toward property ownership – no big bank account required. We’ll explore creative ways people are buying homes and investments with little or no money down, plus mindset shifts that make the process feel less overwhelming and more doable.
You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective on what’s truly possible – no matter where you’re starting from.
Cassie Day - workshop presenter
Named Carer of the Year in 2024, Cassie Day has built a reputation as a leader across disability, care and business. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and facilitator, she speaks nationally on the NDIS, business and leadership, bringing lived experience and sharp insight to a system that is complex, ever-changing and deeply human.
Cassie first made her mark with The Carers Place, which she grew from her kitchen table into a thriving seven-figure business.
She went on to launch the Connect & Collaborate events and the sold-out NDIS State of the Nation Summit, cementing her role as a respected sector voice and changemaker.
Workshop:
The Power to Pause: Preventing Burnout, Building Resilience…and it’s not what you might think!
Sarah Howell - workshop presenter
Sarah Howell is a business advisor and certified coach. With over 25 years’ experience owning and operating 14 hospitality businesses, she now supports women to grow purposeful, profitable businesses that make sense commercially and feel right personally. Sarah brings a unique blend of commercial insight, ICF-accredited coaching and clarity to help others make wise decisions and move forward with confidence. She’s especially passionate about helping women create flexible, values-led businesses that support their independence and sense of meaning.
Workshop Title:
Smart Steps to Start Your Side Business
Thinking about starting a side business but not sure where to begin?
This session will walk you through three smart, practical steps to get your idea off the ground, without the overwhelm. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income, create more flexibility, or build something of your own, this workshop will help you get clear, get confident and take a meaningful first step.
kate burr - mc and workshop presenter
Kate Burr is a multi-award-winning comedian, MC, and speaker coach who brings energy, humour, and warmth to every stage she steps onto. With over 20 years’ experience engaging audiences, Kate has mastered the art of combining entertainment with empowerment—helping people speak up, connect with confidence, and leave a lasting impact.
As the MC for My Money Matters 2025, Kate will keep the day flowing with her trademark blend of professionalism and fun, ensuring delegates feel inspired, energised, and part of something special.
Kate is also delivering her interactive workshop, “Speak Up With Confidence”, where she shares practical techniques to overcome nerves, boost confidence, and communicate effectively—skills that empower women in both personal and professional settings.
Leanne Isaacson - Keynote presenter
Leanne Isaacson is an award-nominated community leader, adult educator, and founder of Savvy AI Solutions, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organisations harness the power of AI in practical, meaningful ways. She is the only Australian member of the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Consultants (IAAIC) and a Certified AI Consultant, bringing global insight to local communities.
As Director of Eastwood Community Centre, Leanne has built a reputation for making digital tools and emerging technologies accessible – particularly for women, small business owners, and community organisations. Her teaching is hands-on, engaging, and empowering, with a strong focus on real-world application.
Keynote:
Smarter With Tools: AI for Everyday Women and Everyday Finances
In this eye-opening and practical keynote, Leanne Isaacson shows how AI is becoming an essential tool in every woman’s money toolkit — whether you’re budgeting, building a side business, making career decisions, or simply trying to reclaim your time and energy.
With warmth, clarity, and real-life examples, Leanne demystifies artificial intelligence and reveals how tools like ChatGPT can help women save time, reduce overwhelm, and make smarter financial choices.
You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clear understanding of what AI is (and isn’t)
✅ Practical ways AI can support your financial life
✅ Confidence to start using AI — no tech background needed
AI isn’t just for the experts. It’s for smart, busy women who want to work smarter, not harder.