Cincinnati, Ohio: Dancy D’Souza, a dedicated community volunteer and survivor advocate from Cincinnati, Ohio, has once again been recognised for her unwavering commitment to serving others. On February 27, 2025, Dancy was honoured with the prestigious ‘Do-Good Program Award’ for 2024, marking the fifth time she has received this coveted recognition. Her selfless service and consistent contributions to the community have cemented her reputation as a pillar of compassion and resilience.

The award was formally presented by Tim Ballinger, President and CEO of GECU, at a distinguished ceremony in Cincinnati. Dancy’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by personal achievements, but by the positive impact one leaves on others.

A tribute to unwavering dedication

Renowned human rights activist Harold D’Souza, Dancy’s husband, expressed his heartfelt admiration for her unrelenting spirit. “Dancy has been the Pillar, Passion, Power, and Prayers of our family,” he said. “Her values — Consistency, Continuity, Change, Creativity, Character, Commitment, and Compassion — shine like a rainbow in the sky, touching and inspiring countless lives.”

Service rooted in resilience and strength

Dancy D’Souza’s life of service is all the more inspiring given her difficult journey of survival and resilience. Despite enduring the trauma of human trafficking along with her family, she turned her focus towards community service, using her experiences to uplift others. What began as an act of survival and purpose evolved into a lifelong mission of giving back.

In 2024, her exceptional commitment was further recognised when she was awarded the Gold Pin for completing 15 years of volunteer service at the Cincinnati Masters Tennis Tournament. Her dedication and passion for volunteerism reflect a lifestyle grounded in compassion and service.

Nurturing the next generation of leaders

The values of resilience and community service instilled by Dancy and Harold D’Souza are clearly reflected in their sons, Bradly and Rohan D’Souza. Raised with faith, strong values, and a commitment to education, both sons have turned adversity into meaningful achievements.

  • Bradly D’Souza has overcome personal trauma to carve a successful career at Tesla, where he has been part of Elon Musk’s core team for more than a decade.
  • Rohan D’Souza, a talented tennis professional, is pursuing his dreams in New York, embodying the values of perseverance and purpose passed down by his parents.

An inspiration for the wider community

Dancy D’Souza’s story of survival, service, and success is a beacon of hope for the wider community. The D’Souza family’s journey — from facing slavery, stigma, and suffering to emerging victorious with faith and courage — highlights the transformative power of resilience.

Reflecting on their collective experiences, Harold D’Souza left the community with a powerful message:
“Survivors may be poor starters, but they are strong finishers in life. When we serve, we heal. When we give, we grow. Let us uplift one another.”

Conclusion

As the community celebrates Dancy D’Souza’s well-deserved recognition, her story stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, service, and compassion. Her life inspires all to embrace kindness, cultivate resilience, and uplift those in need, proving that even in adversity, acts of service have the power to create lasting change.