Hacia Atherton is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the skilled trades industry. As the CEO and Founder of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), Hacia has driven the organisation to national recognition, earning accolades such as the Telstra Best of Business Vic Winner and National Finalist for Accelerating Women. Her journey into this impactful role was inspired by a life-threatening accident which introduced her to the transformative power of positive psychology, shaping her mission to prioritise psychological wellbeing in the workplace. Hacia holds a Master's in Applied Positive Psychology and is a CPA-accredited professional, bringing a unique blend of expertise in mental wellbeing and business acumen to her leadership roles. Her career is marked by a commitment to placing people before profit, a philosophy she champions as a pathway to sustainable business success. This approach has been instrumental in her leadership at EWIT, where she advocates for creating supportive and inclusive environments for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. In addition to her role at EWIT, Hacia serves as the Chair of the CPA Emerging Leaders Network and is a valued member of the La Trobe University Business School Advisory Board. Her contributions extend beyond organisational leadership to include thought leadership, such as her impactful keynotes at industry conferences and her recent appearance on Debra Coleman’s 'Have A Seat' podcast. Hacia’s dedication to empowering others, combined with her strategic vision and deep understanding of positive psychology, continues to inspire change and drive progress in the skilled trades industry and beyond.