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Capitol Hill meetings spotlight anti-trafficking advocacy efforts
On June 3, Dancy and Harold D’Souza visited Capitol Hill, where they met with senators, representatives, congressional staff members and other national leaders.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 07, Jun 2026
- 01:49 EDT
- 24
Dancy and Harold D’Souza, co-founders of Eyes Open International, participated in the USGLC Impact Forum 2026 in Washington, meeting policymakers, government delegates and national leaders, and receiving recognition for their advocacy and survivor-informed leadership. / Courtesy photo
Leaders from across the United States gathered in Washington this week for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's (USGLC) Impact Forum 2026, where discussions focused on America's role in global leadership, diplomacy, international development and national security.
Among the participants were Dancy and Harold D’Souza, co-founders of Eyes Open International, who attended the forum as USGLC state leaders representing Ohio. The event was held under the theme, “America Wins When America Leads.”
The forum brought together business leaders, policymakers, veterans, nonprofit representatives, faith leaders and advocates to discuss issues including diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, international development and strategic partnerships.
On June 3, Dancy and Harold D’Souza visited Capitol Hill, where they met with senators, representatives, congressional staff members and other national leaders. According to the organizers, the discussions focused on survivor-informed leadership, efforts to combat human trafficking, protection of vulnerable populations, community strengthening and policies aimed at promoting safety and opportunity.
Harold D’Souza, a survivor leader and human rights advocate, spoke about the role of U.S. engagement in international affairs.
“America’s leadership creates opportunities for people to thrive,” he said.
“When we invest in diplomacy, education, health, food security, and human rights, we build safer communities and a stronger world.”
The USGLC forum highlighted priorities including strengthening diplomacy, preventing conflicts, promoting global health security, reducing hunger and poverty, supporting economic growth and expanding international partnerships.
Through Eyes Open International, the D’Souzas' conduct educational and awareness programs, support survivors, promote human rights initiatives and provide humanitarian assistance, including projects focused on children's nutrition and education in Tanzania.
Harold D’Souza's advocacy work follows his experience as a labor trafficking survivor in the United States. He has since worked with governments, universities, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses on issues related to resilience, leadership and human dignity.
Following the forum, USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer acknowledged Harold D’Souza's participation in a message shared after the event.
“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,” Schrayer wrote.
“I have already heard from friends on Capitol Hill how impactful your meetings were on Wednesday!”
She added, “At this time of unprecedented challenges for diplomacy and international assistance, I can tell that our collective voice is making a difference.”
The recognition highlighted the role of survivor perspectives in policy discussions concerning human trafficking, community protection and international engagement.
The forum took place as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, bringing together participants from multiple sectors to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the country and its global partnerships.
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