GLOBAL GOENKARS IN FOCUS
PANAJI
When the profile of a person includes a long list of academic achievements, it can not only indicate a polymath but also a person with the acuity to put their vast and varied knowledge into practice.
This has been the journey of Dr Lionel de Souza (LL.B., LL.M. Dip. Can. Law. MBA., MACPR., Ph.D), an award-winning professor, philanthropist, lawyer, and international authority in education, pharmaceutical marketing, and healthcare. He brings a blend of academic rigour, legal expertise, and executive leadership to his global engagements in higher education, international law, and regulatory affairs.
BACKGROUND
Hailing from Parra and Mapusa, Dr de Souza did his school and college education at St Francis De Sales, Nagpur, and completed his bachelor's in science and master's in law at the universities in Nagpur and Bombay.
“I moved to the west in the early nineties, as I had aspirations similar to the early immigrants to reach the ‘New World’, i.e., to explore and seek new avenues of advancement and opportunity,” said Dr de Souza.
ACADEMICS & PROFESSIONAL
Dr de Souza was initially based in Canada, where he earned an MBA and topped the university at Athabasca, Alberta-Canada.
With a background in business and management, Dr de Souza moved to the USA and completed his doctorate on researching the business imperatives of physicians.
“Physicians are schooled adequately in anatomy and physiology but often find themselves rather deficient when confronted with business challenges in growing practices and in negotiating liability and other lawsuits,” explained Dr de Souza.
He also completed two other master’s degrees in Clinical Research (MACPR) and Law (LL.M,), completing both degrees with flying colours. Besides, he also holds a diploma in canon law.
Since the past two decades, he has been based in Ohio, USA, and serves as professor at UniversityGoGlobal, serving universities, students, and corporations in the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge in business management, human rights, the arts, sciences, and law globally.
As CEO and Executive Director of UniversityGoGlobal and USWorldLaw, Dr de Souza spearheads initiatives that expand the frontiers of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity for students, universities, and corporations worldwide.
On India’s Independence Day in 2024, he forged an alliance between India World Law (IWL) and USWorldLaw, creating a transnational legal partnership with offices in Goa, Nagpur, and Mumbai.
A prolific advisor, Dr de Souza said he has mentored over 1,000 master’s and doctoral candidates across diverse disciplines – including management, business, healthcare, and marketing – shaping the next generation of global leaders. He has been recognised through several awards and honours at leading U.S. institutions.
Dr de Souza has regularly convened and led global conferences, symposia, and scholarly forums on higher education, global strategic marketing, and international legal affairs.
PHILANTHROPY
Through his multifaceted roles as professor, legal strategist, global executive, and philanthropist, Dr de Souza has a lifelong commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.
Dr de Souza advances educational access for aspiring and underserved populations across the U.S., India, the Middle East, and Africa to bridge global divides through learning, empowerment, and opportunity.
“I have been involved in US/global Catholic philanthropic and higher education. I lead Global Caring for Humanity, a non-profit organisation, and also strive to assist Christian religious leaders globally.
WRITING & AUTHORSHIP
In addition to his academic and professional contributions, Dr de Souza has also authored three works of politico-legal commentary infused with humour and satire on the U.S. presidential elections between May and October 2024. A fourth volume is underway, alongside collaborative works on jurisprudence and global leadership.
“We have two law books – both are unique and have already evinced interest from leading universities in India. We will endeavour to make these books a part of the US library systems – legal, general, legislative, US presidential, state, district, county, and worldwide,” said Dr de Souza.
PASSION FOR MUSIC
Equally at home on piano and guitar and across all genres, Dr de Souza has played both professionally in Canada and the US.
“Recently, I have been gravitating more to playing the piano in public events since there is no hassle of carting instruments and equipment. Perhaps emulating my mother, who could play the classics and other genres,” said Dr de Souza.
“I ran a British music school system from 2012 until Covid hit, more as a hobby and to fuel the passion. One of my most intriguing and ambitious projects now is to possibly bring forth new insights, which will likely be supported by one of the Ivy League institutions in the USA, is on Freddy Mercury. This research initiative is from the dimensions of composition, culture, and influences. I also aim to include stories of Goan musicians in the book.”
GOAN IDENTITY
Dr de Souza says his Goan identity has shaped and influenced him in his career and life.
“I was blessed with well-educated Goan parents. My Goan identity in childhood was preserved with summer vacations in Goa every year,” said Dr de Souza.
Dr de Souza’s wife, Pam, has a business doctoral degree, and they have three daughters, Kassidy, Brooklynn and twins Irelyn, and a son, Grainger.
In a message to young Goans, Dr de Souza said, “They should always aspire high but preserve Goan cultural identity and safeguard properties. Our law firm, IWL, with an office in Goa, is committed to assisting local and overseas Goans in property and real estate matters, with legal acuity and utmost integrity.”
