Leyla M. Hashi ’20

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Leyla came to the United States at a young age and grew up attending Boston public schools. After moving to Portland and graduating from Deering High School, she enrolled in community college without a clear career direction––until a trip to her homeland revealed a passion for broadcasting and journalism. ​

​Leyla transferred to USM and in 2020 graduated with a BA in Communications––the first in her family to complete a college education.​

Leyla was chosen as USM’s 2020 Student Commencement Speaker. In her remarks, she expressed her appreciation for the supportive learning environment at USM and the many opportunities she had to pursue her dreams.​

​She urged her fellow students, “When opportunities come knocking, answer on the first knock.”