Human on the Inside with Empowered Women in Trades’s Melinda Davis
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Mel, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the General Manager of Empowered Women in Trades, a charity and social enterprise group that empowers women to pick up the tools and enter the trades.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does this role entail?
Melinda Davis: As General Manager of Empowered Women in Trades, my role is about leading bold, systemic change by creating real pathways for women and non-binary people into trades, while working with industry to ensure they feel safe, seen, and supported once they get there.
It’s part advocacy, part program delivery, and part culture-shifting — no two days are the same, but every day is purpose-driven.
M: Whilst you’ve been with Empowered Women in Trades for almost 3 years, your career is of course much deeper than this. With a degree in Human Resource Management and a qualified Careers Counselor you spent more than a decade focused on providing employment support and related services including at Box Hill Institute where you led the Employment Initiatives Team delivering state government funded programs- Skills & Jobs Centre and Apprenticeship Support Officers.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
MD: For me, it has always been about creating real-world impact through opportunity. My entire career has been centred around helping people see what's possible for themselves- especially those who’ve been systemically overlooked or excluded. Whether it was supporting someone to find their first job, mentoring an apprentice through their early years, or helping a parent re-enter the workforce, I’ve always been driven by the belief that employment is more than just income- its identity, confidence, and connection.
At EWIT, that purpose has only deepened. We’re not just preparing people for jobs, we’re shifting the culture of entire industries. My background in HR, careers, and government-funded employment initiatives gave me a clear understanding of the gaps that exist but more importantly, where the levers for change really are.
What drives me is simple: everyone deserves a place where they belong, and where their potential is seen, valued and supported. I show up every day to make that happen.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
MD: Straight out of VCE I commenced a Bachelor of Psychology and had to drop out at the end of the first year as no matter what I tried, I could not keep up or grasp the statistics and micro economics subjects that were a core part of the program. I ended up enrolling into a Diploma of Human Resource Management and loved it so much I went on to undertake my degree.I also majored in Sociology which i feel as I move through my career has actually had the most impact as it helped shape my thought process. I have also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which I use regularly in my role but I don't believe my education is the defining reason I am where I am in my career. I think it helped but my work ethic, values and passion for helping people shaped my career choices.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
MD: That your career is a marathon not a sprint shaped by your experiences. You don’t have to have it all figured out but you do need to enjoy the journey so just take a breath and give things a go, You never know where they will lead.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace right now?
MD: At EWIT human skills aren’t just valuable, they’re vital. We work at the intersection of social change and industry, so being able to build trust, communicate with impact, and lead with empathy is non-negotiable. Whether we’re delivering hands-on programs, supporting someone to step into a non-traditional role, or working with industry partners to challenge the status quo, it’s human connection that drives everything forward.
The reality is, you can teach someone how to use a tool- but confidence, resilience, and communication are what keep them in the role. For our participants, it’s often the first time they’ve felt seen, supported, and genuinely empowered. For industry, these skills are key to creating inclusive, safe and productive workplaces.
Human skills are the foundation of culture shift and when we prioritise them, we unlock potential not just in individuals, but across whole sectors.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
MD: I love the idea of super powers- mine is absolutely my resilience and ability to keep going when I believe in something. I can weather a pretty rough storm and find my way to calmer waters. My favourite superpower is kindness. I am a true believer that kindness will change the world, one small act at a time.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
MD: Communication is something I work on everyday- I am very independent and often try and do much myself to the point of burning myself out. I am working on communicating with my team and those around me to ask for help when its needed. I am also learning to listen without jumping into action mode. To stop and be present for someone without always trying to fix things.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to found their own start up, what would it be?
MD: Back yourself, no one else will back you if you aren’t backing yourself. Build your village of good people around you and don’t be afraid of mistakes, embrace them and learn from them.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
MD: I am not looking for perfection. I am looking for the person who got it done whilst juggling work, family and life commitments. The person that turned up and did their best, the person who understands that perfect academic results may not make you the best person for the job. Your attitude, work ethic and human skills are just as important. We don’t have to be perfect, we have to be good humans.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
MD: I am enjoying learning the craft of digital marketing - learning how to connect with humans on a deeper level via a different platform that I haven't used before.
Melinda Davis
General Manager at Empowered Women in Trades
Melinda Davis is the General Manager of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), a national not-for-profit dedicated to creating equitable pathways for women and non-binary people into skilled trades. With a passion for systems change and a career rooted in social impact, Melinda leads EWIT’s strategic direction, industry engagement, and grassroots program delivery with a clear mission: to break down barriers, build inclusive workplaces, and rewrite what it means to thrive in trades.
Drawing on a background in education, leadership and advocacy, Melinda is a driving force behind EWIT’s work to close the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated industries. She has championed immersive training programs, inclusive employer partnerships, and national campaigns that empower women to step into the shed, onto the tools, and into leadership.
Melinda believes that gender equity is not just a women’s issue—it’s a workforce one. She is known for her authentic leadership, open conversations, and unwavering belief in the power of representation.
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