Our Team
Proudly 100% Survivor-Run and Led
Jennifer Holmes
Chief Executive Officer
VA Re-Entry Director
Jennifer Holmes is not just a leader—she is a living testimony of survival, healing, and purpose. A survivor of human and labor trafficking, Jennifer has walked through the deepest hardships of homelessness, incarceration, addiction, and systemic violence. Her journey didn’t end in survival—it sparked a lifelong mission to create change for others.
As a lived experience expert, Jennifer now serves as the Chief Executive Officer/ Reentry Director for Survivor Ventures, where she leads with fierce compassion and unshakable commitment. Her work supports survivors from all backgrounds, including returning citizens from prison and local city jails, individuals coming directly from the street, and those entering treatment centers for drug addiction. She ensures that every participant is welcomed with dignity, care, and immediate access to support that meets them where they are.
Jennifer walks alongside those she serves, not above them. Her leadership is grounded in the truth that real healing begins with being seen, heard, and believed. She uses her voice, her story, and her heart to advocate for those who are ready to reclaim their lives—because she once stood in those same shoes.
She is also the co-owner of a family-run well water mining business in Guatemala, a project dedicated to providing clean, sustainable water access to low-income communities. Whether she’s building safe pathways to reentry at home or investing in global wellness solutions abroad, Jennifer’s mission remains clear: to break cycles of exploitation and poverty and restore dignity through real, lasting change.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Jennifer is currently writing her memoir and offering trauma-informed holistic healing rooted in empathy, faith, and truth. Her work is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Her mission: to end generational trafficking and to walk with survivors as they rise.
“This work is not just my passion—it’s my purpose. I lived it. I survived it. And now I lead so others can thrive.” – Jennifer Holmes
To support Jennifer’s work and walk in solidarity with survivor-led healing, visit our Latest News page.
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Olivia Reposa
Chief Financial Officer
VA Housing Program Director
O’livia Reposa is a trailblazer in advocacy, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. As a human trafficking survivor turned advocate, she channels over a decade of lived experience into creating lasting change for survivors and communities. Her nonprofit bridges the gap between law enforcement and human trafficking survivors, offering vital support and expert guidance to both survivors and authorities. A pioneer in Virginia, Olivia made history as the first trafficking survivor in the state to achieve vacatur, setting a powerful precedent for others seeking justice and rehabilitation. She also provides specialized services to Survivor Ventures participants, helping eligible survivors navigate complex legal and recovery processes.
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In her role as a housing program director, Olivia is committed to breaking down barriers to safe, stable housing for survivors. Her work empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and security. Olivia’s journey reflects her remarkable resilience and her ability to overcome systemic obstacles and personal adversities, including multiple arrests related to her victimization.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Olivia is a proud mother of three. She finds peace in reading and being by the ocean—places where she draws inspiration and renews her spirit. Through her unwavering commitment and multifaceted roles, Olivia embodies strength, hope, and the transformative power of lived experience
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Melissa French
Chief People Officer
VA Survivor to Entrepreneur Director
Melissa's resilience and determination have driven her to become a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking. Drawing from her own experiences, she advocates tirelessly for victims' rights to raise awareness about this pressing issue.
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In addition to her advocacy work, Melissa is a passionate entrepreneur. Since January 2011, she has been the owner and operator of her own business, which includes a commercial and residential cleaning service as well as an e-commerce platform for vintage, antique, and fine jewelry. Her entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate a keen understanding of strategic growth, operational management, and marketing.
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Melissa's diverse interests and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world make her a truly remarkable individual, dedicated to both personal growth and societal change. She has a deep love for traveling and the outdoors. She finds solace in activities such as camping, hiking, boating, and photography, allowing her to connect with nature and explore new landscapes. Melissa's adventurous spirit extends to her interests in herbalism, art, and horticulture, where she finds inspiration and creativity in the natural world.
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Elena Young
Chief Marketing Officer
Holistic Care Director
Elena Young is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and survivor with more than five years of marketing experience across both personal ventures and organizational campaigns. Having once been supported by Survivor Ventures as a participant, Elena now serves as Chief Marketing Officer and Holistic Care Director, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to her leadership.
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Elena’s passion for mental health and holistic healing is central to her work. She has hands-on experience in psychiatric inpatient settings and continues to advocate for trauma-informed, whole-person care that empowers survivors on their journey to stability and self-sufficiency.
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In her dual role, Elena amplifies Survivor Ventures’ mission by sharing authentic, mission-driven stories that attract funders and partners, while also creating pathways for survivors to access holistic care and community support. Her warm, personal approach builds bridges between survivors, providers, and supporters, shaping a future where every survivor has access to opportunity, empowerment, and healing.
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Amanda Mendoza
Chief Advocacy Officer
DE Housing Program Director
Mandi is a passionate advocate, strategist, and program leader dedicated to empowering survivors through housing stability, dignity, and long-term healing. She brings decades of lived experience, trauma-informed care, and hands-on service to her role—ensuring survivors have the tools, support, and safe environments needed to rebuild their lives.
Mandi previously held a leadership position within a local anti-trafficking council and continues to participate in national legislative advocacy efforts, working to reform systems and elevate survivor voices across the country. Her work bridges direct services with policy change, helping to break cycles of exploitation by addressing root causes like housing insecurity and economic instability.
At Survivor Ventures, Mandi leads initiatives that support mentees transitioning from crisis to independence. From securing move-in essentials to building community partnerships, her approach is grounded in compassion, practicality, and empowerment. She believes every survivor deserves not only a safe place to live, but a foundation for thriving.
Beyond her role at Survivor Ventures, Mandi is a purpose driven entrepreneur, offering survivor-informed consulting and event coordination services rooted in faith, excellence, and hope. She is grateful for the Survivor to Entrepreneur program, which helped her launch and grow her business with confidence and clarity.
A woman of deep faith and purpose, Mandi finds strength in worship, mission work, and sharing life around the table. She is happily married and a proud dog mom, finding joy in the small moments. Mandi is committed to walking alongside others on their journey to healing—illuminating the way with empathy, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of restoration.