# @universityofri on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNYcy_FrnM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65431658-universityofri-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/38467b2526.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-11T18:51:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** URI — University of Rhode Island (@universityofri) — https://gondola.cc/universityofri

## Caption

Meet Skyla Anderson, a public relations major from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and this year’s student commencement speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Harrington School of Communication.

Skyla chose public relations to better understand the strategy and psychology behind communication and how messaging shapes perception and builds connection. The field allowed her to combine creativity, organization, and strategic thinking while exploring how brands and individuals tell their stories.

At URI, Skyla was deeply involved in campus leadership and community building. She served on the executive board of cvsa_uri, including as president during the 2024–2025 academic year, and is a member of the Talent Development program. Through these experiences, she developed a strong sense of purpose rooted in advocacy and uplifting others.

Skyla’s proudest accomplishment is receiving the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award, a recognition of her commitment to supporting others and creating positive change. She also created “Nos Kultura,” an event celebrating Cape Verdean culture that has since become an annual tradition on campus. Seeing it bring people together, and knowing it will continue beyond her time at URI, is one of her most meaningful memories.

“My time on campus shaped me into the woman I am today by teaching me how to advocate for myself and for others,” Skyla says. “I learned the importance of community and how meaningful connections can support both personal and professional growth.”

After graduation, Skyla plans to continue growing her freelance work in wedding content creation and small business marketing. She will also pursue an MBA in marketing at Fitchburg State University, carrying forward the leadership, community, and commitment to giving back that defined her time at URI.

📸 courtesy of: skylaandersonxo
#GoRhody #RhodyGrad #RhodyGrads #URI2026 #ClassOf2026

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- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 330
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## Tags

classof2026, gorhody, rhodygrad, rhodygrads, uri2026

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