Silent Superhero – Watchen Nyanue
It’s not every day you find someone who has a true passion for others and naturally wants to better her community. Some do it for the glory, accolades, and just sheer bragging rights. Watchen Nyanue is a true humanitarian. She gives her all in everything and genuinely wants to see progression and growth in the community around her.
As an observer, she took notice of the lack of direction possessed by recent college graduates and an even smaller amount of resources out there and felt it was her chance to do something. She created a website called But Now What, to help young people transition into adulthood. From growing up in Chicago, to attending Depauw University and now living in New York City, Watchen understands the testimony of true life experience.
Real Name: Watchen Nyanue
Alter Ego: Watchen or some people call me Watch, but because I have such a unique name that most people have not heard before they don’t typically use a nickname.
Locale: Brooklyn, NY
Ordinary Role: Marketing Coordinator at Comedy Central.
Secret Power: My secret power is the ability to make anyone feel comfortable. Even people who I have just met (I am told) leave feeling like we are old friends. I also have a great ability to relate to people from different walks of life because of my unique upbringing.
Incognito Aesthetic: I really love my smile. I think it really reflects how I feel on the inside.
Superhero’s Creed: Make it happen.
Recent Test: I just lost my first love/ high school sweetheart to violence in Chicago and it has really been a challenge. Trying to figure out what life means and the value of life. One of the positives that I can say has come from such a hard time is my new vigor and zest for life. I think death makes you assess how fragile and short life can be and it forces you to take stock of your life and to do what you can to make sure you live the best possible life. At least that’s what it has done for me. It has made me more bold and willing to take risks I never would have considered before.
Putting Your Powers to Use: Everyone who knows me knows I am always doing something. I have a real passion for young adults and the power that we possess. I started a blog in 2009 called, But Now What and the blog is a resource site that aims to help young adults make the transition from undergraduate life to adulthood. I really believe that access to resources has the ability to change and shape a persons life and I am excited to be a part of that change. In addition to ‘But Now What,’ I volunteer with the Posse Foundation as their alumni rep. In that role I plan and execute, with a partner, events for Alumni of the Posse Foundation in the New York area. Posse is a scholarship foundation that I have the honor of being an alumni of. I also volunteer with a wonderful organization called Womensphere, which is a global leadership organization for women.
