Australian woman Hacia survived being crushed by a 600kg horse: 'I army-crawled away'
Hacia Atherton refused to accept her doctor's words when he said she would never walk again. The Victorian woman was just 29 when a horrific accident while training for the Australian equestrian championships changed her life forever.
Aussie crushed under 600kg horse tells of remarkable recovery: ‘I couldn’t feel my legs’
At just seven years old, Hacia Atherton dreamt of wearing green and gold to represent Australia in equestrian events. But in 2017, the 29-year-old’s dream was crushed when her 600kg horse came tumbling down on her, shattering her pelvis - and her world.
Heartwarming moment paraplegic stands up on 30th birthday
At just seven years old, Hacia Atherton dreamt of wearing green and gold to represent Australia in equestrian events. But in 2017, the 29-year-old’s dream was crushed when her 600kg horse came tumbling down on her, shattering her pelvis - and her world.
Why women could be the solution to the housing crisis
Australia needs housing. This isn't new - we're a growing nation, and we're seeing record levels of migration.
Empowered Women in Trades: 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards Victoria Accelerating Women Award Winner
Women only represent 3% of tradespeople in Australia. That’s an alarming statistic, and one that Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) is aiming to address through its innovative programs.
Hacia’s love of welding sparks a revolution for women in trades
While training in 2017 to represent Australia in dressage at the World Equestrian Games, Hacia Atherton was thrown from her horse. The 600 kg animal fell on top of her, crushing her pelvis, fracturing her hips and severely damaging the nerves in her right leg.
Hacia Atherton: Transforming Trades and Leadership with Resilience and Vision
In a world where traditional industries are undergoing significant shifts, Hacia Atherton stands as a force of transformation. As the CEO of Reed Plumbing Group and the Founder and Chair of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), she is not just leading companies...
Hacia Atherton's Lifechanging Accident Inspired Her To Reinvent Herself, & Help Others Along The Way
Five years ago Hacia Atherton’s life was shattered by an accident that could have easily killed her. But she has refused to give up, choosing instead to reinvent her world and help others along the way.
ABC Gippsland
Listen to Hacia’s interview on ABC Gippsland commenting on the Andrews government announcement regarding the gender quotas for Victorian construction sites.
The program setting professionals up with skills for life
The career paths we choose gives us purpose, and a clear direction. But sometimes, life has other plans. A devastating horse-riding accident changed the career trajectory that Hacia Atherton had carefully plotted for her life.
From the very first class of her Master of Applied Positive Psychology (2023), Hacia Atherton knew she’d found a field where she could have a real impact.
Hacia’s journey to the University of Melbourne began in an unexpected place: a hospital bed. But what started as part of a challenging recovery has grown into a dynamic career shaping workplace cultures.
Hacia Atherton, CPA, is on a mission to empower women in trades and see more women in the workforce with meaningful economic opportunities and skills.
She comes from a family of change makers with the Atherton family having a long history with skilled trades in Australia that dates back to before federation. She established Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT) to inspire women to see trades as a viable career option...
Deakin Alumni – Hacia Atherton
Bachelor of Commerce alumna Hacia Atherton, CPA, MAPP defied the odds after a life-threatening accident, turning a major tragedy into her greatest triumph. Hear how she has excelled in her diverse career, working as Chief Commercial Officer, Founder, and Director…
Bridging the Gap: Women in skilled trades and the solution to Australia’s trades crisis
Across Australia’s workforce, few sectors stand out as starkly as the skilled trades when it comes to gender disparity. Despite trade industries like manufacturing, construction, and mining being some of the nation’s major employers, female representation in these fields remains alarmingly low.
Living Life to its Fullest in Chronic Pain – Full interview on Ticker News
Listen to Hacia’s journey of how she has become the master of her chronic pain which has lead her on a mission to inspire more courage in the world.
Hacia Atherton: Advocating to Increase Female Participation in Skilled Trades
Hacia Atherton, CEO and Founding Director at Empowered Women In Trades, is a passionate advocate for empowering women in trades and creating more meaningful economic opportunities and skills for women in the workforce.
Lady Tradies: Push for women to get on the tools
A free women in trade tools skill day is coming to the Yarra Ranges to help boost women’s confidence in stepping outside their comfort zone to try a typically male dominated industry.
How Australian businesswomen are breaking the bias in 2022
“Women comprise a tiny – but growing – minority of the trades sector in Australia. While we’re getting better at encouraging girls and women onto the tools, the real challenge lies in creating psychologically safe and welcoming workplaces.
How Hacia Atherton CPA conquered the C-suite
After a horse-riding accident in 2017, Hacia Atherton CPA was told she may never walk again, but she devised a recovery strategy that also helped her conquer the C-suite.
The Empowered Journal
This year, we’ve added a special element to our International Women’s Day project – we’re featuring one hundred stories from women around the world. Each and every one has an inspiring tale to tell and a beautiful piece of advice to pass onto you.
Entrepreneur, Hacia Atherton, Thought She Would Never Walk Again
What is your area of expertise, who do you serve, and how do you serve them?In 2017 my courage was tested as my life changed irrevocably forever. While pursuing my ultimate dream of representing Australia at the World Equestrian Games…
Business Game Changer – Small Steps That Lead to Big Growth
The to-do list keeps growing and the decisions can seem endless for business owners. I’m a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with over a decade of commercial experience and I was still overwhelmed with decisions when starting my two new ventures in the year that was 2020- ‘Hacia Atherton International’…
The Confidence Connection
A weekly show sharing womens’ stories from around the globe of how they built their confidence and how they can empower you to build yours too.
Herald Sun
Read Hacia’s Opinion piece published in the Herald Sun about the importance of increasing female representation in skilled trades.
Tradie who was paralysed at 29 after being CRUSHED by a horse reveals how she learned to walk again despite being told she never would - and totally changed her career path
A young woman is pushing for females to become tradies and take advantage of lucrative jobs after a horrific accident changed the way she views the world.
Two week course empowered women to step into trades
Empowering women to take the leap into a career in the trades industry is what Empowered Women in Trades CEO Hacia Atherton set out to do with a two week pilot program.
Hacia featured on Carla Berbary's Podcast "Not a life sentence"
Hacia is a great example of what my podcast is about: It's not a life sentence. In 2017, her lovely 600kg horse fell on her and crashed her bones. The doctors could not assure her that she will ever walk.
Hacia is a valued member of the Our equal state Reference Group
The Our equal state reference group provides strategic advice on implementing Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023-27.
