On 7 May 2026, ICDP will host an online Financial Literacy Dialogue/talanoa featuring guest speaker Shani Jayamanne, Director and Investment Specialist at Morningstar Australia, and co-facilitated by Vanuatu Hub Coordinator Torika Kalman and ICDP Director Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM.
This practical session is designed to support women in strengthening their financial knowledge in ways that reflect real life – balancing family needs, community responsibilities and future goals.
Together we will explore simple, everyday concepts like saving, borrowing, interest, rising prices and how to make money go further over time.
The Dialogue will focus on practical tools to reduce financial stress, plan ahead and make confident decisions that support both today’s needs and tomorrow’s security.
Our Guest Speaker
Shani Jayamanne, a Director and Investment Specialist at Morningstar Australia, co-hosts the Investing Compass podcast and contributes regularly to major Australian publications on personal finance.
Her career spans financial services, encompassing financial advice and large asset management. As an Education Partner with the Australian Shareholders Association and Advisory Board Member for Forbes Advisor, she specialises in understanding financial products and simplifying complex concepts for individuals advisers and institutions. Shani is passionate about making financial information accessible, particularly for minority groups, promoting financial literacy and independence.
As an Investment Specialist, Shani interprets financial data and research to empower individual investors. Her thought leadership targets accumulators – those early in life aiming to achieve financial goals within their means. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University, with a Commendation from the College of Business and Economics. Additionally, she’s run courses for women asylum seekers through the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre to enhance financial literacy in minority communities. Shani co-authored the book Invest Your Way, a practical guide to investing aligned with personal goals and values.
Our Co-facilitators
Torika Kalman is the ICDP Hub Coordinator for Vanuatu and Senior Program Coordinator at V-Lab, Vanuatu’s first business incubator, where she has been instrumental in the design and execution of incubation programs that provide start-ups with the tools, resources and mentorship needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM is a Director of ICDP and the ICDP Foundation. She is also co-founder and Managing Director of Global Access Partners (GAP) where she leads active policy initiatives across education, health, environment and international relations. Catherine serves on the board of Neuroscience Research Australia, chairs the Fritz Family Foundation and contributes to several philanthropic advisory groups.
This online dialogue is open to all members of ICDP Pacific Community.
Read our Dialogue Flyer for more information and register your attendance here.
