From bondage to brilliance: Harold D’Souza’s story stirs hearts at Ohio anti-trafficking event

Eastlake, Ohio: Human trafficking survivor and global human rights advocate Harold D’Souza brought a packed audience to its feet at the SRO/SSO Human Trafficking Awareness Event hosted by the Alliance Against Human Trafficking and the GFWC Eastlake Ohio Women’s Club. From escaping modern-day slavery to standing as an international speaker, D’Souza’s journey from victim to visionary moved law enforcement, healthcare professionals, survivor-advocates, and the public alike.

A voice forged in adversity

Born in India and once trafficked to the United States, Harold D’Souza is today the President and Co-Founder of Eyes Open International, a global advocacy initiative focused on ending human trafficking. In his keynote, D’Souza recounted his harrowing past and how he rose from extreme exploitation to become a respected global changemaker. His story spans 49 U.S. states and over 30 countries, offering testimony, policy insights, and hope.

“Be happy, think positive, never quit, and believe in yourself,” Harold told the audience—his four rules for a life rebuilt through courage and conviction.

With heartfelt honesty, he reflected, “I failed as a parent, protector, provider, and as a person.” But Harold transformed these so-called failures into a framework of strength—Passion, Purpose, Power, and Prayers.

A call to action

D’Souza didn’t stop at storytelling. He challenged institutions to rethink post-rescue care for survivors:

“We must map survivors after one, two, and five years—to ensure they are self-sustainable, emotionally healthy, and financially independent.”

This idea resonated deeply with service professionals and policymakers in the room, urging a shift from short-term rescue to long-term empowerment.

Event highlights

The Eastlake event, held as part of Bridge Day Focus on Outreach, featured an impactful line-up of speakers, all focused on prevention, intervention, and survivor leadership. They included:

Lisa Imondi, Founder, Her STORY to Share
Kwami Adoboe-Herrera, Founder, Teleios Inc.
Jomel Spurlock, Victim Assistance Specialist, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Jonathan Barry, Senior Engagement Manager, DHS Blue Campaign
Detective John Morgan (Retd.), Founder, JL Morgan Solutions
Dr. Lara Wilken and Tracy McGinley, Co-Founders, Seeds of Empowerment

Their collective message underlined the importance of collaboration, survivor-led advocacy, and addressing root causes of trafficking.

A legacy in motion

D’Souza took a moment to thank the organisers who made the event possible: Kathy Goellnitz, Carolyn Kinkoph, and Jenna Bing, co-founders of the Alliance Against Human Trafficking. “Your trust and support mean the world. You are building hope in the places that need it most,” he said.

Now celebrated as a father, activist, policymaker, and global speaker, Harold D’Souza’s story is being adapted for both Bollywood and Hollywood, with films in the pipeline to further his message of triumph over trauma.

“From no identity to global influence—Harold’s story is not just one of survival, it’s a movement,” said one attendee.

Changing lives, one voice at a time

Harold D’Souza’s life is a testament to how resilience, when met with opportunity and faith, can break any chain. As he puts it, “I once had nothing—no freedom, no name, no money. But today, I have everything that matters: purpose, family, and a voice to help others.”

From bondage to brilliance, Harold D’Souza continues to inspire a world where human trafficking is not just confronted, but ultimately ended.