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BRISTOL, R.I. – At �������츣��һ��, Kya Daniels has built an academic path where creativity and strategy meet – using her experience to prepare for a career in arts marketing while helping other artists find their footing.

A senior Marketing major from Shrewsbury, Mass., Daniels pairs her studies with minors in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Arts Management, creating an interdisciplinary foundation that reflects her goal of connecting artistic expression with business insight.

“I was curious about how to put art and business together, because it sometimes feels like they clash,” Daniels said. “But realistically, every artist is an entrepreneur.”

Drawn to RWU for its business program, small class sizes, and proximity to Providence and Newport, Daniels found an environment that encouraged hands-on learning and professional development.

“I liked that it was very focused on getting internships and hands-on experience,” she said. “And the smaller class sizes meant you could really get to know your professors.”

Throughout her time at RWU, Daniels has taken on a wide range of roles across campus. She serves as a Design Center artist at Student Programs, Leadership, & Orientation, participates in the Honors Program, and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. She is also the marketing and public relations chair for the  and president of the American Advertising Federation chapter, supporting participation in the  (NSAC).

That work with the NSAC has been one of the most formative experiences of her college career.

“Every year, you’re given a case by a real client,” Daniels said. “You’re conducting your own research, building a campaign, and figuring out solutions to a real business problem.”

During last year’s competition, Daniels stepped outside her comfort zone as a presenter, delivering a 20-minute pitch to industry judges.

“I’m generally a quiet person, and I don’t like talking to crowds,” she said. “It was very nerve-wracking, but it was a huge step outside of my comfort zone.”

Her team earned second place at the district competition, an achievement she attributes to strong collaboration and preparation.

Riding on momentum, her team placed 1st at this year’s district competition, moving them to the semi-finals. 

“We were really proud of the campaign and everything we did,” she said.

Beyond campus, Daniels has gained professional experience through internships that further shaped her interests. She worked as a social media intern with the university’s Marketing & Communications office, completed a public relations internship with , and served as a programs and arts management intern with .

At WaterFire, she contributed to programming and outreach efforts, including developing a marketing campaign for the Accelerate program, which supports emerging artists.

“I created a video series and reached out to past participants and applicants,” she said. “We ended up with double the number of applications compared to previous years.”

The experience reinforced her interest in arts-focused marketing and community-centered creative work.

“To be part of an organization that’s actually doing that kind of work was really impactful,” Daniels said. “You could see how they support artists and bring the community together.”

Looking ahead, Daniels hopes to open her own arts center – a space that combines gallery exhibitions, programming, and mentorship for emerging creatives.

“I want to create a space that supports artists and teaches them the business skills they need to succeed,” she said. “Not everyone has access to those resources.”

Her academic work reflects that goal, exploring how branding and marketing strategies can help artists and arts organizations expand their reach, particularly in digital spaces.

“I was always interested in how artists could grow their platforms,” she said. “Social media makes it possible, but it’s also very competitive.”

Daniels, a recipient of the Presidential Core Values Medallion for the Gabelli School of Business, credits her interdisciplinary education with shaping how she approaches both creative and business challenges.

“Art brings an emotional perspective, and business brings a logical one,” she said. “Having both gives you a more well-rounded way of thinking.”

That perspective also informs her leadership style. Whether working on NSAC or collaborating in student organizations, Daniels emphasizes communication, adaptability, and teamwork.

“It’s important to meet people where they are,” she said. “Everyone works differently, so you have to figure out how to support each other as a team.”

Faculty mentorship has also played a key role in her experience. Daniels highlighted Visual Arts Professor Anne Tait as an influential mentor who supported her artistic development and connected her with professional opportunities.

“She’s very interested in how you think and what influences your work,” Daniels said. “That’s been really meaningful for me.”

After graduation, Daniels plans to enter the workforce while considering graduate study within the next five years, exploring opportunities in arts marketing, brand strategy, and advertising in the Boston and Providence areas.

Reflecting on her time at RWU, Daniels points to the combination of academic rigor, experiential learning, and community support as foundational to her growth.

“I’ve been able to try a lot of different things and figure out what I’m passionate about,” she said. “That’s been the most valuable part.”

Her advice to incoming students reflects that same mindset: take initiative and embrace opportunity.

“Put yourself out there,” Daniels said. “Say yes to opportunities that help you grow. That’s how you figure out what you want to do.”