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Meet the Village Forward
Team Members

At Village Forward Inc, we are committed to the holistic revitalization of our community. Our efforts require a coordinated approach and a shared vision for improving the lives of individuals in our neighborhood.

Our Team

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Jelani Linder

Chair.

Jelani graduated from the University of Georgia with a master’s in urban planning and design. For eight years, he presided over the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority. He has played a crucial role in the city’s five-year economic expansion. In the city’s historic district, he and his wife, Shani Linder, own and run an adaptive reuse structure they intend to repair and rent. He and his family have been in Stone Mountain since 2006. He is a commercial real estate agent and investor with holdings in middle Georgia and Metro Atlanta.

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Shani Linder

Vice Chair.

Shani graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in social work. After serving on the City of Stone Mountain’s Parks and Recreation Committee for three years, a playground in McCurdy Park was rebuilt. She ran for a position on the city council in 2021. In addition, Shani holds a Real Estate Agent license. By selling the city's most recent catalytic residential construction, as described in the City of Stone Mountain’s Comprehensive Plan, she played a crucial role in altering the residential environment of SMV.

View the advocacy services provided by our team members.

View Our Advocacy Services