Hacia Atherton

Speaker, Company Director, Certified Practicing Accountant, Ambassador, Industry Thought Leader and Philanthropist

In 2017, Hacia Atherton was crushed by her 600kg warmblood horse and doctors told her she would likely never walk again in any meaningful way. Three years and thirteen operations later, Hacia has defied the odds, not only learning to walk again but also completing two 100km bike rides and achieving her CPA from her hospital bed – successfully turning a major life trauma into a triumph. Hacia’s adaptability and resilience, and her ability to redefine her own version of success, has been vital in her challenge to regain control of her legs (and life), which she now shares to inspire audiences across Australia.

Hacia Atherton’s life changed irrevocably in July 2017. While pursuing her ultimate dream of representing Australia at the World Equestrian Games, Hacia was thrown from her horse during dressage training, and her pelvis was crushed as the 600g animal fell on top of her.

Airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Hacia underwent a nine-hour surgery to repair her shattered pelvis, along with numerous fractures in both hips and severe nerve damage to her right leg. Hacia woke to surgeons advising her she would likely never walk again in a meaningful way and would forever be reliant on a walking frame or crutches.

Hacia endured the first six excruciating months of her recovery within the confines of a hospital room and her wheelchair. Her mental and emotional toughness was challenged as she grappled with the overwhelming reality that the dreams she once had would never be realised and that she may spend the rest of her once active and vital life bound to walking aids.

Devastated by her new reality, Hacia fell into a deep depression. However, her fighting spirit revived itself, as she faced her toughest challenge yet – to stand unaided for the first time since her accident. The attempt left her nauseous and reeling from the pain.

Hacia was only able to stand without assistance for three seconds. She cried in agony, defeat, and frustration at the helplessness of her situation. It was at this point mentally and emotionally that Hacia realised she had a choice. To let her tragic circumstances dictate the remainder of her life, or to face the seemingly impossible goal of walking again with courage, positivity, and spirit.

Spurred on by her newfound reserves of strength, Hacia decided to embrace ‘progress over perfection’. She chose to break the end goal of walking unaided into incremental goals, which she could achieve and celebrate. In this moment, her new mantra of ‘can do, will do’ was born.

Now, three years and thirteen operations later, Hacia has taught herself to walk again, achieved her CPA, completed two 100km bike rides and is currently training for two monumentally challenging events – a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run sprint triathlon and Amy’s Great Ocean Road Ride, which is a 130km road cycling event to help raise funds for the Amy Gillett Foundation.

Hacia inspires audiences with her transformative philosophy that success is a relative concept, which must continuously be redefined, and that advancement in life is largely based on one’s ability to implement incremental goals which, when achieved, compound into large milestones. Hacia’s determination to make a difference can also be seen through the not-for-profit she has founded, Empowering Women in Trade. The mission of EWIT is to radically increase female representation in skilled trades in Australia and to create a more equitable, balanced workforce
that values and prioritises the participation of skilled female tradespeople. The NFP seeks to support women through guidance and training as well as education and aims to demonstrate that a career in the skilled trades is a viable and exciting option for everyone, no matter what gender. EWIT will also assist women who are in vulnerable situations, such as those who are experiencing hardship, through either homelessness or domestic violence, find a new career in the skilled trades.

Hacia’s courage, adaptability and resilience has been recognised by numerous organisations. She has been invited to join the CPA Emerging Leaders Network Committee, is a Just Strong Ambassador and has been accepted into the pilot Women and Leadership Program run by the City of Darebin.