Nicole Etchart

Nicole Etchart is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of NESsT. Founded in 1997, NESsT invests and provides strategic business support to social enterprises providing dignified employment to lift people out of poverty in emerging market countries.

Nicole leads the organisation's strategy, growth and impact worldwide including entrance to eleven countries and investment in a diverse portfolio of high impact enterprises that have directly improved the quality of life of half a million marginalised people. Nicole is responsible for the development of NESsT's new initiatives as well as its capacity and investment strategy and tools. She oversees a senior team to carry out NESsT's goals while maximising the organisation's resources and impact. Nicole is the author and editor of many Publications and Articles. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs.

Nicole has over thirty years of experience in international development focusing on economic development and entrepreneurship. She launched several social impact organisations and was the first Executive Director of the Association for Women in Development and Director of Global Education for CRS. She has an MA from the Johns Hopkins University, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a BA from Tulane University. She is a recipient of the Presidential Fellowship award for "fast-track" public leaders. Nicole holds triple nationalities, from Chile, France and the U.S. She was born in Santiago, Chile and lives in Oakland, California.