Miami, Florida: In a world where the shadows of modern slavery continue to claim the lives of millions, one man’s journey from being trafficked in the United States to becoming an international symbol of hope is transforming hearts, minds, and communities. Harold D’Souza, once a victim oflabor trafficking and debt bondage, has risen, through faith, resilience, and purpose, to become not just a survivor, but a thriver. Today, he stands tall as the President of Eyes Open International (EOI), inspiring people globally with his message: “A common man can do uncommon things.”
On July 25, 2025, this message echoed powerfully through the halls of St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where Dr. Roza Pati, Founder and Director of The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy, extended a prestigious invitation to Honorable Harold D’Souza to share the success story of Eyes Open International. As a leading global voice on human rights, Dr. Pati recognized the life-changing impact of Harold’s mission and gave him the platform to educate, empower, and enlighten both in-person delegates and hundreds of Zoom attendees.
Founded on August 24, 2016, Eyes Open International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. What began as a dream has grown into a powerful global movement working to prevent human trafficking, protect vulnerable populations, and empower survivors. Operational in numerous countries, EOI continues to expand, touching lives across India, Mexico, Ghana, U.A.E., Nepal, Guatemala, Bangladesh, U.K., Canada, and the United States—and most recently, Tanzania.
Opening his motivational address, Harold humbly shared, “My presence at STU is not about me, it’s a pure reflection of all of you, the delegates in person, on Zoom, and your commitment to empowering, enlightening, educating, and encouraging survivors to thrive.”
A packed hall and global Zoom audience were left flabbergasted as Harold unfolded his emotional journey—from Pain to Pleasure, Hurt to Happiness, Fear to Freedom, and Slavery to Success. He recounted the harsh realities of being trafficked, labeled “illegal,” and stripped of dignity: yet he never surrendered.
The foundation of Eyes Open International is built on seven core values: Discipline, Character, Education, Faith, Love, Respect, and Charity. Harold credited these principles as the pillars that carried him from despair to determination.
Importantly, Harold D’Souza emphasized Eyes Open International’s unwavering commitment to victims: “When Eyes Open International works with victim, we clearly inform them; EOI will support them totally free, without taking a single PENNY. We are not here for profit; we are here for purpose.
Harold added; EOI is just a postman. We don’t have all the answers; but we connect victims with resources, services, and healing. We deliver hope.
He highlighted a proud moment of EOI’s recent outreach: launching a food mission in Majevu Village, Tanzania, where 100 God’s people are fed free meals daily through a partnership with Sr. Maria Anitha of the ASSISI Convent Sisters. Funded entirely by EOI, this initiative exemplifies their on-ground commitment to dignity through direct service.
Harold passionately explained that while America is often the destination country for trafficking, many source countries include India, Mexico, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Eyes Open International is working globally to educate, raise awareness, and equip communities to prevent trafficking before it starts.
To the attendees, he issued a solemn reminder and a lifeline:“If you or someone you suspect is a victim of labor exploitation, sexual abuse, or LGBTQ harassment in the United States, call 1-888-3737-888. In Canada, dial 1-833-900-1010.”
Speaking on red flags, problems, solutions, and resources, Harold didn’t hold back in sharing the darkest moments of his life. He revealed that his trafficker had once hired a hitman to kill him, and though a 4-inch bullet came close, it failed to knock down a 6-foot man with unbreakable faith in God.
“My trafficker brainwashed me that I would die a slave,” Harold shared, pausing with strength in his voice, “But I believe in FAITH, not fate.”
Harold then delivered a critical truth for all in attendance: “Suicide or Silence is not a choice, option or solution. Speaking up is the beginning of freedom.
Harold’s dream is to see EOI operational in 50 countries and emphasizes that EOI is not my organization;it’s yours, it’s ours. Today, I’m alive. Tomorrow, I may not be. But Eyes Open International will live on to serve victims, survivors, and the vulnerable for generations to come.”
In one of the most powerful declarations of the day, Harold described how his trafficker once threatened him with arrest, handcuffs, jail, and deportation, mocking him that it was “IMPOSSIBLE” to win. Today, Harold proudly proclaims:“For Harold D’Souza… I. M. POSSIBLE.”
With raw authenticity, he told the audience:“I am a Common Man, a Failure, and a Sinner.”
Yet, in the eyes of the world, Harold D’Souza is a shining star, proof that the broken can heal, the oppressed can rise, and the voiceless can lead.
As the event concluded, applause filled the hall not only in appreciation but in awe. Delegates, professors, students, judges, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, lawyers, NGO’s and advocates alike left uplifted by the realization that true change is possible; not by superheroes or saviors, but by everyday people choosing to fight for justice.
One common man is doing uncommon things.A failure once labeled “illegal” is now famous globally.A sinner is shining like a star,illuminating paths of peace, hope, and freedom across continents.
This is not just Harold D’Souza’s story. This is a wake-up call to humanity.
This is Eyes Open International,educating, empowering, and elevating the world, one life at a time.