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Flyers for Life

Destiny Watson ’20

“Learn. Lead. Serve.” is a daily part of life for Destiny Watson ’20. As an undergraduate majoring in human rights studies at UD, she kept her focus on learning, leading and serving — which led her to wonder what she could learn or begin to work on next.

“I returned home after my sophomore year in search of an internship in the career field of youth work. I took a leap of faith to step into an organization to learn how to grow into the nonprofit sector that I felt called to,” said Watson. “I not only grew professionally but personally. This learning experience allowed me to grow in working with youth in my community, feeling affirmed in my career choice and confident being an advocate in all areas of my life.”

Watson’s journey of leadership started in high school, and she began her own nonprofit organization, You Matter 2, in 2014. You Matter 2 provides youth with a safe space to develop positive relationships and leadership skills and discover their passions. Its mission is to provide opportunities for youth to serve and make a difference in their community. Watson began the organization as an after-school club with the goal of getting her peers involved in service — which led her to an unexpected full-ride scholarship to any college of her choice from Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

“I’m forever grateful that this opportunity led me to attend UD,” said Watson. “Most recently, I have officially transitioned from my full-time job to work for my nonprofit full-time as I work to expand the organization to build a teen community center for sixth through 12th grade students. As the founder and CEO of You Matter 2, I’ve grown as a community leader by becoming a mentor to more than 100 teens in my community, partnering with local school districts and organizing culturally based, communitywide events such as the inaugural Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival in 2021.”

Watson said that she was honored to be recognized by UD in the 10 Under 10 and it brought her great joy.

“My love and care for UD are very special. As someone who graduated in 2020 during the pandemic, my time was cut short,” said Watson. “But I will cherish forever the knowledge and experiences that were poured into me.”

During her time at UD, Watson’s favorite spot on campus was the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center.

“From the day I visited UD as a prospective student, this space confirmed that I would be supported and welcomed as a Black student. MEC provided a safe space to connect with students who looked like me, grow as a leader and seek support personally and professionally. MEC was a space where I felt like I belonged when there were spaces where I didn’t feel that way.”

Currently, Watson keeps engaged with the UD community through the Black Alumni Affinity Group, and she assisted with Black Alumni Reunion 2021. She also participated in a Black alumni and student roundtable with MEC during the pandemic to connect with students.

Additionally, as the student who began and led the charge of the National Pan-Hellenic Council monuments project, she was able to work with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to see a major project come to fruition: the installation on Kennedy Union Plaza of 10 stone monuments representing the NPHC and its fraternities and sororities.

“In 2021, I was able to return to campus as an alumna and witness the NPHC monuments being cemented into the legacy of the campus,” said Watson. “This position [on the council] allowed me to leave a permanent mark and legacy that will last forever.

“I’m always so excited to share my experience about UD with others, and I’m elated to add this 10 Under 10 nomination to my story. It shows how much the University still values and sees me even after my four years.”

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