Washington, D.C: As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, leaders from across the nation gathered in the nation’s capital for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) Impact Forum 2026 under the theme, “America Wins When America Leads.”
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela. This statement has been exemplified by Dancy and Harold D’Souza. Survivor Leaders Inspiring America and the World through service, resilience and purpose.
Among the distinguished participants were Dancy and Harold D’Souza, Co-Founders of Eyes Open International (EOI), who were invited to share their wisdom, expertise, and lived experience on how America’s global leadership strengthens national security, economic prosperity, human dignity, and opportunities for future generations.
Representing Ohio as USGLC State Leaders, the D’Souza’s joined business leaders, policymakers, veterans, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, and advocates in meaningful discussions about America’s role on the world stage and the importance of diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, international development, and strategic partnerships.
On June 3, 2026, Dancy and Harold had the distinguished privilege of visiting Capitol Hill, where they met, interacted, and shared their expertise with Senators, Representatives, Congressional staff, and national leaders. Their conversations focused on survivor-informed leadership, combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening communities, and advancing policies that promote freedom, safety, and opportunity.
Harold D’Souza, an internationally recognized inspirational speaker, human rights advocate, and survivor leader, emphasized that America’s greatest strength lies not only in its economic and military power, but in its ability to inspire hope, action, protect human dignity, and empower vulnerable people worldwide.
“America’s leadership creates opportunities for people to thrive. When we invest in diplomacy, education, health, food security, and human rights, we build safer communities and a stronger world,” Harold shared.
The USGLC Impact Forum highlighted several key priorities including strengthening diplomacy, preventing conflicts before they arise, promoting global health security, reducing hunger and poverty, supporting economic growth, and enhancing America’s partnerships across the globe.
The D’Souza’s participation carried a deeply personal message. Their lives reflect a remarkable transformation from hardship to hope, adversity to achievement, and survival to significance.Together, they have dedicated their lives to helping others flip the script:From Hurt to Happiness, From Pain to Pleasure, From Trauma to Triumph, From Fear to Freedom, and From Slavery to Success.
Through Eyes Open International, the couple continues to educate communities, empower survivors, promote human rights, prevent exploitation, and provide humanitarian support to vulnerable populations worldwide, including feeding children and supporting education initiatives in Tanzania.
Harold’s own journey from labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States to becoming a respected policy advocate and international speaker has inspired thousands around the world. Today, governments, universities, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders seek his insights on resilience, leadership, and human dignity.
Following the forum, Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, personally recognized Harold’s contribution and impact.In her message, she stated:“Dear Harold,After an extraordinary few days together in DC, I wanted to personally thank you for the impact you made by showing up, speaking up, and standing together for America’s global leadership.I have already heard from friends on Capitol Hill how impactful your meetings were on Wednesday! At this time of unprecedented challenges for diplomacy and international assistance, I can tell that our collective voice is making a difference.”
This recognition underscores the value of survivor leadership and the importance of bringing lived experience into policy discussions that shape communities, nations, and futures.
The story of the D’Souza Family is not merely a story of survival, it is a story of resilience, faith, service, and purpose.Together, Dancy, Harold, Bradly, and Rohan have transformed obstacles into opportunities and challenges into catalysts for change. Their family demonstrates that adversity does not define destiny. Through courage, compassion, perseverance, and unwavering faith, they continue inspiring individuals and communities around the world.
As America looks toward its next 250 years, Dancy and Harold’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary impact when they choose hope over fear, service over self-interest, and purpose over pain.
From trafficking survivor to global game changer, from advocate to policy influencer, and from local service to international impact, the D’Souza Family continues creating positive change in Washington, D.C., across America, and around the world, one life, one voice, and one act of kindness at a time.