Launchpad: A Conversation with Rebecca and Chris van Bergen

Rebecca van Bergen and Chris Van Bergen are the visionary leaders behind Nest, a nonprofit advancing gender equity and economic inclusion in the global artisan and maker economy. As Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca launched Nest in 2006 at just 24, building partnerships with brands like Etsy and Patagonia to support over 250,000 artisans across 120+ countries and pioneering global standards for home-based work. Chris, Nest’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer since 2011, has helped guide the organization through rapid growth, leading ethical compliance efforts and expanding programs that serve thousands of small businesses worldwide. Together, they’ve redefined the role of handmade craft in the global economy—empowering communities, promoting transparency, and shaping a more equitable future for workers everywhere. In this conversation, we talk about their journey together as partners in life and work, their challenges and joys, and what they imagine for the future.