(March 29, 2024) Whether giving a presentation at the 2024 Global Sustainability Network (GSN) conference in Dubai or speaking as the guest of honour at the Human Trafficking Symposium in Toronto, Rohan D’Souza has been diligently advancing the legacy of Eyes Open International. He also recently represented the non-profit at a collaborative project meeting in London.
The Chicago-based youngster was only four years old when he moved to the US with his parents, Harold D’Souza and Darcy D’Souza, along with his brother. Tragically, the family fell victim to human trafficking. Emerging from years of ordeal, his parents established Eyes Open International to aid others facing similar circumstances or at risk of falling prey to human traffickers in the future. Now, as the organisation’s youngest board member, Rohan is continuing their mission.
In addition to his work for the non-profit, he is a budding entrepreneur nurturing two startups. As a sports enthusiast, he has also worked as a professional tennis coach in the past.
Empathy, gratitude and advocacy from lived experiences
Growing up in such a family, Rohan witnessed the challenges his parents faced firsthand. “I wasn’t a direct victim of trafficking, but the lack of understanding about my family’s story affected me emotionally and psychologically,” Rohan shares with Global Indian. He officially joined Eyes Open International last year. “As its youngest board member, I serve on the finance and fundraising committee and act as an ambassador for the initiative, engaging in public speaking to advance the organisation’s mission,” the 25-year-old adds.
His lived experiences as the son of labour trafficking and debt bondage survivors provide him with first-hand knowledge and insight to champion this significant cause. “From my parents, I have learned the importance of gratitude, resilience, and empathy. These lessons have been fundamental in my life, teaching me to appreciate what I have, overcome challenges, and empathise with the struggles of others,” he remarks.
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Purpose-driven outlook
Eyes Open International is dedicated to preventing, educating, protecting, and empowering societies globally to combat human trafficking. Rohan’s commitment to this critical issue comes naturally. His experiences have shaped his belief that ‘meaningful and transformative changes often arise from turning personal struggles into a purpose’. “Although I officially joined Eyes Open International last year, I had a hand in naming the organisation when it was just an idea,” he shares.
After joining the organisation, he began with collaborative sessions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 – eradicating modern slavery and ensuring decent work for all. Since then, he has evolved into an independent speaker, sharing the stage with eminent figures and speaking out with great conviction on behalf of young victims.
Rohan D’Souza during a Human Trafficking Symposium at Toronto, Canada
Always inclined towards making a difference, he has been involved in volunteering since childhood. At the age of 16, in 2015, he received the President’s Gold Pin for Service Award in recognition of his dedication to volunteering for over 1800 hours across various organisations in his community. These included local soup kitchens, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, the W&S Tennis Masters, bread running for food drives, and participation in events like the Flying Pig Marathon, among others.
Into the world of entrepreneurship
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from the University of Cincinnati, Rohan worked as a technical specialist at Apple for nearly three years and held the same role at Tesla for one-and-a-half years. Driven by his aspiration to become an entrepreneur, he has founded two startups – Kumo, where he serves as the sole founder, and DVRSS, where he is a co-founder. “One of my startups focuses on ecommerce, while the other is dedicated to financial education,” he shares.
Lessons learned from sports
Tennis has always been Rohan’s passion and even worked as a professional tennis coach at Camargo Club, University of Cincinnati, in 2022. “My upbringing was filled with sports, spirituality, friendship, community, and family, which all positively shaped my personality,” he says. “Tennis has taught me independence, accountability, and the value of individual skills, which can lead to success both on the court and in life,” he adds.
Aiming to leave a lasting impact
While pursuing a purpose dear to his entire family, drawing from life lessons learned as a sportsperson, and striving to establish himself as an entrepreneur, Rohan is determined to make his life meaningful. “I aim to leave a lasting impact that feels effortless and timeless, where the focus remains on the change itself rather than on me,” he signs off.
Congratulations Rohan ,do continue to inspire and motivate. God bless your noble endevours