Oxford, Ohio: Resilience, courage, and leadership were the driving themes at the International Leadership Conference hosted by Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, on October 3rd and 4th, 2025. Among the distinguished speakers was Harold D’Souza, an internationally recognized inspirational leader, who delivered powerful opening remarks on how survivors of human trafficking are not only reclaiming their lives but also rewriting policies at national and international levels.

D’Souza, President of Eyes Open International and recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Hero Award (2023), addressed an audience of scholars, advocates, students, and global leaders. His presentation focused on the transformative role of survivors in creating survivor-informed policies that reflect compassion, dignity, and justice.

A Survivor’s Voice at the Center of Policy Change

“Survivors are no longer passive participants in the global conversation, they are leaders who cultivate solutions, influence legislation, and inspire hope worldwide,” D’Souza declared in his keynote.

He emphasized that rewriting the script of life is not about erasing trauma but about turning pain into purpose. “When survivors are included in shaping policies, the world shifts from silence to action, from exploitation to empowerment, and from fear to freedom,” he told the captivated audience.

A Distinguished Panel of Change-Makers

D’Souza’s presentation came during the panel session “How Can Leaders Mobilize Resources and Partnerships to Fight Human Trafficking?” where he shared the stage with two eminent leaders:

Linda Majeska Powers, Legal Director at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, whose legal expertise has helped shape Ohio’s robust anti-human trafficking initiatives.

Mary Kate Waggoner, a dedicated anti-human trafficking victim advocate, who spoke passionately about survivor empowerment and advocacy-driven solutions.

The panel highlighted the urgency of collaboration between law enforcement, policymakers, advocates, and survivors to strengthen resources and global partnerships. Together, they underscored the importance of centering lived experiences to ensure policies respond to real-world challenges.

Global Recognition and Achievements

Harold D’Souza is widely celebrated for his global leadership and unwavering advocacy:

  • Ambassador, Advisory Council, Ohio Attorney General’s Office: Served two successful terms under Attorney General Dave Yost, advising on human trafficking policies and survivor-centered initiatives.
  • United Nations Human Rights Hero Award 2023:  Recognized at the U.N. Headquarters in New York for his outstanding commitment to ending modern-day slavery.
  • Rashtra Prerna Award 2021:  Honored in India for being a beacon of hope and inspiration.
  • Ohio Liberator Award 2017: Honored at Columbus, Ohio for providing critical guidance to victims and mentoring survivors.
  • SAFECHR Human Rights Trail Blazer Award 2023: Celebrated for innovative approaches to advancing human rights and freedom worldwide.
  • The Heart of the Father Award 2022: Presented at Los Angeles, California, Father-Con.
  • International Speaker & Advocate: Invited to deliver keynote addresses across Asia, Africa, Europe, Canada and the United States, inspiring communities, governments, and youth to act against human trafficking.
  • Through Eyes Open International, the organization he co-founded, D’Souza leads global initiatives across India, Nepal, Tanzania, Canada, Europe and the United States, focusing on awareness, prevention, and survivor empowerment. His advocacy has directly impacted vulnerable communities, creating networks of resilience and protection against exploitation.

Engaging With Global Leaders

Beyond his panel session, D’Souza had the privilege to interact with international thought leaders, scholars, and policy influencers throughout the conference. Discussions ranged from identifying red flags of exploitation, to addressing systemic problems, designing practical solutions, and connecting survivors with resources.

“These conversations reaffirmed that the fight against human trafficking is not a local challenge, it is a global mission requiring solidarity, courage, and the active voices of survivors,” D’Souza reflected.

A Message of Protection and Support

D’Souza used his platform to remind the audience of the urgent need to protect the vulnerable. He shared crucial resources for victims and those seeking help:

In Ohio: Call the Ohio Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-844-363-6448.

In the United States: Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.

“No one should suffer in silence,” D’Souza said. “Help is available. Freedom is possible. Hope is real.”

In closing, Harold D’Souza left the audience with a stirring call to action:

“Survivors are not broken, they are brave. They are not victims, they are victors. When leaders, communities, and survivors come together, we create a world where freedom triumphs over fear, and humanity rises above exploitation. Let us be the generation that ends modern slavery.”

About Eyes Open International

Eyes Open International (EOI) is a survivor-founded, global non-profit registered as 501 c 3, dedicated to preventing human trafficking, protecting vulnerable populations, and empowering survivors to become leaders of change. Operating in the United States, Canada, India, Nepal, and Tanzania, EOI partners with governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to educate, raise awareness, and provide sustainable solutions against modern-day slavery.