Draft:Hacia Atherton

Hacia Atherton born November 29, 1987 is an Australian speaker, founder, CEO, and CPA who advocates for the application of courage and Positive Psychology for personal and professional success. Her mission is focused on greater diversity in male-dominated business and trades sectors.

Background
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Hacia comes from several generations of plumbers, one of whom established in 1889 what is now Atherton Healthcare, a manufacturer in infection control products for the hospital and medical industry, and another who founded the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia.

Her great, great, great grandfather is Sir Henry Parkes, known as the ‘Father of Federation’, in Australia.

Equestrian Accident and Recovery
In 2017, Atherton was dressage training to compete in the World Equestrian Games, and was accidentally crushed by her 600kg horse, breaking her pelvis. After a 9-hour surgery she was told she may never walk again. In hospital for 6 months, Atherton undertook another 14 surgeries, then hours of weekly physio for several years.

During her recovery she studied with CPA Australia, worked in the family business, and began her speaking and courage coaching career. In 2021 Hacia participated in a charity run for children.

Education
Hacia completed year 12 in 2006 at Ruyton Girls School. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) with Deakin University in 2017, and her CPA in 2020. In 2023 Hacia obtained her Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology, with the University of Melbourne.

Early Career
Hacia set up her own business, offering bookkeeping and administration services after finishing school, and held a financial planner role with AMP Financial Services from 2010-2011.

Work and Career
Hacia’s career encompasses roles in finance, leadership, entrepreneurship and motivational speaking.

In 2020, she became founder and CEO of Hacia Atherton International Pty Ltd, and Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT), a charity and social enterprise which focused on increasing female representation in skilled trades.

She also serves in additional advisory, committee and board roles with CPA Australia’s Emerging Leaders Network the Committee of Management for the School Broadcasting Network (SBN), and Real Time Learning Australia.

Hacia continues to work closely with her family, and is current director and company secretary with her family's medical manufacturing company, Atherton.

Achievements
Hacia has been recognized by NYC Journal as one of The Top 30 Women Disruptors to Watch in 2021, in 2022 was named in the Top 30 Inspiring Women by Disruptor Magazine, and Insight Success put her in their Top 10 Influential Women Entrepreneur list. She was the recipient of Best in Business 2024 via the Telstra Business Awards.

Hacia also founded and launched the annual Empowered Women in Trades Awards in 2021.

Public Speaking & Media
Hacia’s life- and career-changing accident was showcased by Australian media and other press outlets.

She’s appeared on The Project TV and Ticker News, and has been featured by various media outlets including Channel 7, the Sydney Morning Herald, and News.com.au among others.

Hacia has addressed the Australian Inside Construction Expo, been an ambassador for the Sydney Build Expo in 2024, and been interviewed for multiple trade publications and podcasts for her insights and advocacy around gender equality.

She is registered keynote speaker with Australia's ICMI Speaker’s Bureau.