Mother and daughter, Karla (Kitson) Misto and Kayla Misto of Foster, formerly of Cranston, both graduated from Providence College at the college’s 97th commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 17.

Karla and Kayla are the daughter and granddaughter of Rita (Ruggieri) Palombo of Cranston. Rita graduated with her bachelor’s degree from URI when she was 67. Rita’s parents, Bambino and Lucy Ruggieri, immigrated to Knightsville from Itri, Italy, in the early 1900s and raised 11 children. These family bonds and examples of hard work and perseverance certainly played a role in this exciting milestone for the Misto ladies.

Karla is a 1983 graduate of Cranston High School West, receiving the “Outstanding Business Student Award,” and worked for the Cranston Public Libraries during high school. She was an executive secretary to former Mayor Michael Traficante and later worked part-time in the Cranston Public School system while raising her family.

When her son started college in 2009, Karla became intrigued to pursue higher education for herself. She attended school evenings while working full-time days and graduated Providence College’s School of Continuing Education summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies; she is also a member of the Eta Lambda Honor Society. Karla was awarded for her service and commitment to the continuing education program at PC.

Kayla is a 2011 graduate of Ponaganset High School, where she was a member of the Wind Ensemble, editor of the yearbook and a member of Student Council. At Providence College Kayla was a member of the Student Alumni Association, a senior admissions fellow and a member of the Multicultural Board for Student Affairs as president of Circolo Italiano, proudly promoting the Italian culture on campus.

Kayla graduated Providence College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in health policy and management, and is a member of the Charles V. Chapin Honor Society. She previously interned for U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and the state of Rhode Island Department of Health, and will begin her career for a national wellness organization following graduation.