Ryan Poole

Ryan is a Personal Banker at Capital City Bank who has been living in Tallahassee since May 2007.

What brought you to Tallahassee? After College, I was in search of a good company to work for. I found a great one in Capital City Bank and moved to Tallahassee for the career.

Why NYP? Networking is vital in any business. NYP provides a fantastic platform for young professionals of the Tallahassee community to come together and act as a catalyst for positive change and growth.

Why do you like Tallahassee? Tallahassee understands community involvement. The people here are of an exceptional caliber. I see lots of opportunity for growth and enjoy getting involved with others looking to make a real difference. I’m proud to be a part of the Tallahassee community.

Favorite local destination? I absolutely love sushi. We have a wide variety of establishments for sushi in Tallahassee and I like to mix it up and go to different ones. Finnegan’s Wake is a great place for a weekend night.

Rachel Melson

Rachel is the Temporary Site Director for the Leon County Schools 21st Century CCLC. Additionally, she holds the title of Miss Black Leon County USA 2011.

What brought you to Tallahassee? A full presidential scholarship to Florida A&M University to study business administration! The academic and family environment at FAMU made me stay to continue my education and complete my Masters of Education in Educational Leadership. The fact that the Marching 100 is the best band in the land didn’t hurt either!

Why NYP? I believe NYP is the catalyst for change in Tallahassee for young professionals and beyond. As young professionals, networking is key for us as we pursue our careers and effectuate change in our communities. I believe in the mission of NYP and want to become involved in a larger capacity with the organization. Tallahassee has such a great influx of young people coming to Tallahassee for higher education and we should want to retain the knowledge and skills within this professional community. As young professionals, Tallahassee is our playground. NYP helps to ensure that we don’t just have a sandbox, but there are swings, slides, sandboxes, and monkey bars!

Why do you like Tallahassee? I like Tallahassee because it has become home to me in the last seven years. Tallahassee is a great place to live, work, and play! It is a small enough city with a big heart! I believe that it is a great place to begin a career. With two acclaimed universities, Tallahassee is a birthing place to new young professionals each year. I enjoy walking around the city and having people recognize me as “The Domestic Diva from WCTV”. I’ve grown since I’ve been here, earned my first two degrees, started a business, started my career, and met my fiance. Tallahassee has been good to me!

Favorite local destination? I am a foodie and my favorite destinations include brunch at Food Glorious Food, Z Bhardi’s for Italian, and Masa for an Asian bite. Most recently, Genghis Grill has become my favorite lunch spot and Cole Couture has become my fashion haven! Since I am planning a wedding, however, Vocelle’s Bridal is the wedding boutique for me!