Rockdale Young Professional Leaders, a new Chamber of Commerce social and networking group for ages 21 to 40, will debut at an April 17 kickoff event.

“I believe that the group will provide valuable opportunities for community engagement for an often under-represented, yet imperatively significant, population in our community,” said RYPL Chair Marcie Howington, the executive director at the Conyers housing organization Phoenix Pass. 

RYPL is open to young professionals who live, work or simply have an interest in Rockdale County. It aims to provide professional development, leadership training and community service opportunities. There is no membership fee.

The group will hold social and networking events on the third Thursday of each month at various Rockdale locations. The first is the April 17 kickoff event, which runs 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Whistle Post Tavern, 935 Railroad St. NW, Conyers.

The casual kickoff event will include appetizers, tabletop games, giveaways and door prizes. Attendees may also bring granola bars to donate to the upcoming Hands Across Rockdale event. The RYPL kickoff is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and the News, whose publisher, Pat Cavanaugh, is the Chamber’s board chairman.

RYPL intends to hold quarterly seminars as well. 

RYPL’s leadership includes Secretary/Treasurer Sarah Teach, Rockdale Medical Center, and vice chairs Chris Lowry, Simonis Insurance; Toya Washington, Conyers Housing Authority; Dana White, Rockdale DUI Court; Chris Lee, Rockdale Sheriff’s Office; and Ashley Arrow, Troy University.

For more information, call 770-483-7049 or email RYPL@conyers-rockdale.com.