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.
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.
Stephanie Jefferson – Workshop Presenter
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.
Mary Palaric - workshop presenter
Cassie Day - workshop presenter
Cassie Day’s long developed skill set in her professional and personal background underpins the diversity, accomplishment and sincerity of The Carers Place’s success today.
Starting her career with the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Cassie spent 16 years in leadership and training positions in Human Resources and Health & Safety departments within the government sector.
Her coaching, encouragement and personal desire to help others achieve their goals began its days when running a rewarding business as a qualified Personal Trainer.
Caring for her son who lives with Cystic Fibrosis, Autism, ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) and mental health challenges is where Cassie’s compassion, advocacy and acute desire for change came from. After struggling to navigate systems herself, it slowly blossomed into The Carer’s Place.
While Cassie has a sharp business acumen, a powerful voice and is an inspired leader in challenging the status quo, she is also deeply empathetic, genuinely grateful, and heart centred. She takes pleasure in simple enjoyments such as the sound and smell of the ocean, the delights of nature, travelling and gathering with her loved ones around a fire.
Inspired daily by her son’s resilience and by the sheer privilege of being their mother, Cassie provides courageous and determined support that you’ll always feel when she’s on your team.
Sarah Howell - workshop presenter
Sarah Howell is a seasoned business strategist and professional coach who specialises in supporting founders of service-based businesses to navigate the complex pressures of growth, leadership, and decision-making. With 25 years’ experience owning and operating 15 businesses across diverse industries, Sarah brings both strategic expertise and lived experience to her work.
She partners with entrepreneurs who may appear outwardly successful yet feel quietly under strain—often juggling financial, operational, and personal challenges on their own. Sarah provides both strategic support (growth strategy, pricing, staffing, operations, and partnerships) and coaching support (navigating pressure, overcoming decision fatigue, and finding clarity at business crossroads).
Based in Adelaide, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is an ICF-accredited professional coach. She is passionate about helping business owners reduce isolation, reclaim confidence, and make empowered decisions that align with their goals.
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.