Melissa Holland serves as the Co-founder and CEO of Awaken, a US-based nonprofit offering direct services to women and children affected by the commercial sex trade. Awaken is located in Reno, NV and Green Bay, WI. Melissa holds a Masters degree in Marriage Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Melissa started as a therapist offering pro bono therapy to women affected by prostitution. In 2011 she and Jen Robinson co-founded Awaken, a nonprofit who’s mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and to provide housing and restoration for its victims. Awaken has worked with over 900 women and children affected by exploitation. Melissa is passionate about uniting communities in the fight to end the sexual exploitation.