INTRODUCTION
Nyakim Gatwech is an Ethiopian-born American model of South Sudanese descent, celebrated for her naturally deep skin tone. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Dark,” she has become a prominent advocate for diversity and self-acceptance in the fashion industry, challenging conventional beauty standards.
Birth name: Nyakim Gatwech
Career
Model, activist
Birthday
January 27, 1993
Age: 32
Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius
Birthplace: Gambela, Ethiopia
Nationality: American
HOW BIG IS Nyakim Gatwech ON THE NET?
Nyakim Gatwech has cultivated a significant online presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares insights into her professional career and advocacy work. Her engagement with a global audience underscores her influence in promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion.
HOW DID Nyakim Gatwech become famous?
Nyakim’s rise to fame began with her participation in a fashion show at St. Cloud State University, which sparked her interest in modeling. Her distinctive appearance and powerful message of self-love resonated widely, leading to viral attention and modeling opportunities. She has since been featured in various campaigns and publications, using her platform to challenge colorism and advocate for representation.
BEFORE THE FAME
Born in a refugee camp in Gambela, Ethiopia, to South Sudanese parents fleeing civil war, Nyakim spent her early years in refugee camps in Kenya before immigrating to the United States at age 14. Settling in Buffalo, New York, she faced bullying and discrimination due to her skin tone. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education and nurtured her passion for modeling, eventually turning adversity into advocacy.
CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED);
Throughout her career, Nyakim has collaborated with various fashion brands and designers, including Calvin Klein and L’Oréal. She has appeared in promotional materials for the 2017 film “Jigsaw” and has been featured in numerous fashion shows and campaigns that celebrate diversity. Beyond modeling, she founded the BalangNyal Foundation in 2022, aiming to empower and connect underserved youth of South Sudanese ancestry to socio-economic opportunities and provide essential items to young girls in refugee camps.
