CINCINNATI, OHIO : The 2026 Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Conference, held at the American Red Cross and organized in collaboration with End Slavery Cincinnati and The Salvation Army, became a profound moment of education, healing, and inspiration. The conference brought together survivors, allies, advocates, law enforcement, faith leaders, and community members united by one purpose: ending modern-day slavery through compassion, collaboration, and courage.
A central highlight of the conference was the powerful session titled “The Importance and Value of Survivor and Ally Relationships,” presented by Dr. Lara Wilken, Tracy McGinley, Dancy D’Souza, and Harold D’Souza, leaders whose collective voices reflected lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a sacred time of remembrance and renewed resolve. On January 23rd, Eyes Open International (EOI) founders Harold and Dancy D’Souza joined hands and hearts with EOI Board President Dr. Lara Wilken and Vice President Tracy McGinley to pioneer a new educational campaign highlighting the critical value of survivor–ally relationships in the anti-trafficking movement.
Dr. Lara Wilken and Tracy McGinley shared: “This initiative was created to deepen understanding of what becomes possible when survivors and allies unite. These relationships are not only essential to this movement, but also to healing, wellbeing, and long-term solidarity, often forming lifelong friendships rooted in trust and mutual respect.”
The presentation emphasized that survivor–ally partnerships are powerful across historical, psychological, social, and political contexts. When survivors are empowered and allies walk alongside them, not ahead of them, true transformation occurs, benefiting individuals, communities, and systems alike.
Throughout the session, Harold and Dancy D’Souza courageously shared their personal journey from exploitation to empowerment, a journey that led to the founding of Eyes Open International, an organization committed to leading the charge against modern-day slavery through survivor-informed expertise, education, and prevention.
EOI’s mission is clear: to combat human trafficking by amplifying survivor voices, educating communities, and empowering people to protect their freedom. By openly sharing their story, Harold and Dancy continue to expose the deceptive tactics used by traffickers, equipping others with knowledge that can save lives. Along the way, they have built an extended global family of survivors and allies who uplift, support, and inspire one another.
With this collective strength, Eyes Open International proudly approaches its 10-year anniversary this August, marking a decade of impact, resilience, and service across the world.
A deeply moving moment came when Erin Meyer, Anti-Human Trafficking Program Manager, End Slavery Cincinnati and longtime family friend, shared her appreciation: “Thank you so much, Harold. You have done so much for survivors and for this movement. Your knowledge and leadership on survivor–ally relationships made a significant contribution to this conference. You are truly amazing.”
During his address, Harold D’Souza also spoke powerfully about the 30 Articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reminding the audience that these articles are not abstract ideals, but moral promises to humanity. Harold specifically highlighted Article 4, which states: “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.” Harold underscored that although this declaration was adopted decades ago, its message remains urgently relevant today. Modern-day slavery still exists, and it is the shared responsibility of survivors, allies, and communities to transform these global principles into lived freedom.
In a moment of striking humility, Harold addressed the audience with honesty and faith: “I am a common man, a failure, and a sinner.”
He spoke candidly about failing what he described as the four P’s of life: I failed as a Parent, Provider, Protector and as a Person. Yet, through God’s grace, he shared how those failures were transformed, flipped, into: Passion, Purpose, Power and Prayers
From the D’Souza family’s journey from slavery to smiles, Harold shared four timeless lessons: Be happy, Think positive, Never quit and Believe in yourself.
Harold expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lara Wilken and Tracy McGinley, living role models of friendship, love, respect, and compassion, true champions of the belief that survivors are not defined by their past, but empowered to thrive forever.
Together, Dancy and Harold D’Souza shared how the surrounding community played a vital role in shaping their hope, courage, and freedom, affirming that healing and success are never solitary journeys.
In an emotional reflection, Harold shared how he met Erin Meyer for the first time more than 15 years ago, at his own home. “From that day until today, Erin has been our friend, our family, and our freedom. This is friendship at its optimum.”
Harold added that the love, respect, and belief received from the community are beyond words, etched deeply into their hearts.
Looking toward the future, Harold shared words of inspiration about the next generation. He proudly highlighted Bradly, who has been working at Tesla for over 11 years, and Rohan, a tennis professional living his dream. Their journeys stand as reminders that age is just a number, and that when passion meets purpose, dreams become reality. Aim high. Achieve higher. Aspire happiness.
For those who may be victims or who suspect labor exploitation, sexual abuse, or LGBTQ harassment:
• Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Hotline: 513-800-1863
• National Human Trafficking Hotline (USA): 1-888-373-7888
The session concluded not merely with applause, but with renewed commitment, unity, and hope.
Harold D’Souza powerfully illustrated the role of allies by sharing life-changing support of Sr. Therese DelGenio. During the D’Souza’s family’s most vulnerable season, Sr. Therese stood as a lifeline, providing groceries, assisting with utility, medical bills, guiding legal documentation, and nurturing unwavering faith. Sr. Therese selfless compassion transformed despair into dignity, enabling the family to rebuild with faith, hope and freedom. With deep gratitude, Harold lovingly calls her his Mother Teresa.
“When survivors are believed, allies walk with humility, and communities choose compassion, freedom is no longer a dream. It becomes a promise.”