EVENTS
Melissa Holland and Vip Vipperman
"Beyond Awareness: Taking Action Against Human Trafficking"
I am grateful to announce that our October Christian Business Connections Lunch will feature Melissa Holland, Co Founder and CEO of Awaken, and Vip Vipperman, Vice President of Eagle Venture Fund, for an important conversation on the fight against human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
Melissa and Vip bring two unique perspectives to this critical issue. Melissa has spent more than a decade working directly with women and children affected by the commercial sex trade, providing housing, restoration, education, and awareness through Awaken. Vip brings a global perspective from the worlds of entrepreneurship, technology, and venture investing, helping fund and equip organizations developing innovative solutions to human trafficking and child exploitation.
Together, they will help us look beyond awareness and consider what it actually takes to fight trafficking effectively. This conversation will explore the realities of exploitation, the work already happening in our community and around the world, and the unique role that business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and churches can play in pursuing justice and freedom.
This promises to be a challenging and inspiring conversation that reminds us that the fight against human trafficking is not someone else’s responsibility. As Christian business leaders, we have influence, resources, relationships, and opportunities that can be used to bring meaningful change.
First Friday of each Month @ 11:30AM (doors open at 11:00 am)
September's Location: Encounter Ministry Headquarters
9222 Prototype Drive, Reno
Please Join Us For Our Next Christian Business Connections
Lunch will be provided.
The cost is $30.00. Please register online by clicking below to so that we know how many people will be attending.
Click on the button below to register
Please register at the link above, or contact Kati at kati@nvcc.school or call 775.849.4983
SPEAKER OF THE MONTH
Melissa Holland and
Vip Vipperman
Quick Bio: Melissa Holland
Melissa Holland is the Co-Founder and CEO of Awaken, a US based nonprofit providing direct services to women and children affected by the commercial sex trade. She co-founded Awaken in 2011 with a mission to increase awareness and education surrounding commercial sexual exploitation while providing housing and restoration for victims. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in World Missions and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with hundreds of women and children affected by the commercial sex trade, provided trainings throughout the US and abroad, participated in international research, and spoken at the United Nations on the harms of prostitution and legalization.
Quick Bio: Vip Vipperman
Vip Vipperman is Vice President at Eagle Venture Fund, where he helps support entrepreneurs developing scalable solutions to human trafficking, child exploitation, and other systemic challenges. His background spans mission work, entrepreneurship, and venture investing, including helping raise tens of millions in capital and building networks across founders, funds, and family offices. Vip also serves as Executive Director of Clapham Accelerator and previously helped launch strategic initiatives with Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor. Having lived nine years in Asia and worked in Mandarin, Vip brings a global perspective to impact investing and hosts the Backing the Bold podcast. He is passionate about equipping leaders to use business and innovation for meaningful kingdom impact.
Please RSVP using the registration button above to help us ensure an accurate headcount for the event.
We look forward to welcoming you on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:30 AM (doors open at 11:15 AM).
Location:
Encounter Ministry
9222 Prototype Drive
Reno, NV 89521
Price: $30.00 per person (includes lunch)
