D’Souza Family Marks Several Years Of Turning Pain Into Purpose

India-West Staff Reporter

CINCINNATI, OH – At the 2026 Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Conference, the journey of Harold and Dancy D’Souza took center stage, serving as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of survivor-ally relationships. The event, held on January 23 at the American Red Cross, featured the D’Souzas alongside Dr. Lara Wilken and Tracy McGinley to launch an educational campaign focused on solidarity and mutual respect in the anti-trafficking movement.

The D’Souzas, founders of Eyes Open International (EOI), shared their harrowing but ultimately triumphant transition from exploitation to global advocacy. Harold D’Souza captivated the audience with a raw, vulnerable reflection on his past, describing himself during his period of struggle as a “failure and a sinner” who faltered in his roles as a parent, provider, protector, and person. However, he illustrated how these “four P’s” were flipped through faith and community support into “Passion, Purpose, Power, and Prayers.”

Central to the report was the emphasis on the vital role allies play in a survivor’s recovery. Harold highlighted his fifteen-year friendship with Erin Meyer of End Slavery Cincinnati and the life-changing support of Sr. Therese DelGenio, whom he affectionately calls his “Mother Teresa.” He noted that these allies did not walk ahead of him, but alongside him, providing everything from groceries to legal guidance while restoring his family’s dignity.

Beyond their personal narrative, the D’Souzas used the platform to advocate for the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically Article 4, which prohibits slavery in all forms. As EOI approaches its ten-year anniversary this August, the family remains a “beacon of hope,” proving that survivors are defined by their future rather than their trauma. Harold concluded with a message of resilience for the next generation, citing his sons’ professional successes as proof that when passion meets purpose, dreams become reality.