Destiny Watson, the CEO and founder of You Matter 2, began the organization when she was 16 years old with one call-to-action Tweet to engage her peers in community service. Ten years later, her dreams of creating social impact with her peers has grown into empowering hundreds of youth in the South Suburbs. 

On May 29, community members, family and supporters of You Matter 2 gathered for “A Decade of Impact Celebration” to commemorate the organization’s 10 year anniversary at the Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood. 

Watson kicked off the event with tearful, yet joyous remarks reflecting on the journey of beginning and growing the organization.

In 2015, She initially wanted to involve her peers in volunteering and celebrate the impact they made through WE Day, a yearly gathering of teens who’s community service efforts were rewarded with a concert.

Over time, her efforts led her to have a greater influence among youth in the community.

“I wanted us to earn our way to something fun by doing something meaningful,” Watson said. “What I couldn’t have imagined then is that one idea would grow into this.”

Throughout the evening, videos featuring You Matter 2 alumni members expressed how the organization’s programs, like Expressions Unleashed art program and IGNITE after-school program, have shaped their academic, social and leadership growth. 

“[In Expressions Unleashed] sometimes we’re painting, sometimes we’re using yarn just to express ourselves artistically,” Deenah Fitzpatrick said in one of the videos. “This is my relaxation moment where I can be with my friends … I really look forward to it.”

You Matter 2 had a goal to raise $30,000 during the evening through a silent auction that would help the organization expand its programs for 6th through 12th grade students. The funds also would help to achieve a larger goal of eventually opening a Teen Community Center in 2028. 

Auction items included vacations to destinations including Greece and Mexico, tickets to Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Cooper’s Hawk Winery wine tastings. 

During the evening, the silent auction raised around $11,000 of its $30,000 goal. Watson and organization board members urged the audience to continue supporting the mission of empowering youth. 

“Tonight isn’t just a celebration, it’s a commitment,” Watson said. “A commitment to keep showing up for our youth and to keep building spaces where they can thrive and to keep creating a future that reflects their brilliance.”

The night was also highlighted by awards given to individuals and community partners that supported You Matter 2’s mission over the past year. 

Honorees included:

• Community Partner of the Year: Dionne Victoria, The Healing Academy.
• Volunteer of the Year: Jackie Terrazas, School District 215 President.
• Business of the Year: Jada Samuels, Jada Juice.
• Institutional Partnership Award: Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
• Corporate Champion Award: Bonita Estelle, ComEd.
• Philanthropic Leader of the Year: Steve Sarowitz, Wayfarer Foundation.
• Public Service & Advocacy Award: Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Illinois 2nd District.

Two You Matter 2 graduating seniors were honored with the Lawrence Watson Memorial Scholarship and were awarded $1,000 along with an additional $500 as a donation from Project Kennedy, a local non-profit, to help continue their education. 

Kendall Pace, a graduate from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, was a recipient of the scholarship and will attend the University of Dayton in the fall to study biochemistry on a pre-dental track. He shared that You Matter 2 impacted his outlook on serving his community and helped him create connections with his peers. 

Yusef Olugbile-Muhammad, an 18-year-old homeschooled senior, was the second recipient of the scholarship and will attend Governors State University in the fall to study business. He expressed his desire to give back to You Matter 2 and reflected on his experiences. 

“I cannot begin to express just how much just being in Expressions Unleashed alone how much that changed my life,” Olugbile-Muhammad said. “It was such a great experience just being able to get to know everybody, but to also know people who had the similar mindset to me and also care about their mental health. 

In the organization’s vision for the next 10 years, they hope to serve 3,000 students annually, increase partnerships with local businesses, and continue to grow their programs. 

“We’ve built strong partnerships, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of youth, and most importantly, we’ve built a family. While we’re here tonight to honor 10 years of this work, I want to be clear, this is just the beginning,” Watson said.