Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjan Yavari.
Hi Marjan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Iran and became a refugee before eventually immigrating to Canada, and later making Atlanta my home for more than 30 years. My journey has been one of resilience, faith, and purpose. Each step, from navigating displacement to building community, shaped my commitment to creating spaces where unity, justice, and compassion can thrive.
Guided by my Bahá’í faith, I’ve always believed that true progress begins with friendship and understanding across differences. That belief led me to serve in leadership roles with organizations like the National Center for Race Amity, Georgia Works, and the Tahirih Justice Center, where I advocate for collaboration and healing.
Most recently, I founded BE on Edgewood, a redevelopment project in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward that transforms abandoned space into a hub for renewal, connection, and cultural pride. My life’s work is about transforming both people and places, helping communities move from division to unity, from neglect to possibility.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, in any redevelopment or community-driven work, there are challenges along the way. For me, the road has never been perfectly smooth, but it has always been meaningful. Any obstacles I faced, whether they were related to permitting, construction delays, navigating systems, or simply the natural uncertainty that comes with transforming a neglected space, were made easier because of the relationships I’ve built over the years.
I’ve learned that when you lead with sincerity, treat people with respect, and stay rooted in your purpose, the right support shows up. My Bahá’í faith has also grounded me through every challenge, reminding me to stay hopeful, patient, and focused on service. Even in the most stressful moments, I knew why I was doing this work, and that kept me steady.
Development isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, trust, and vision. By maintaining strong relationships, collaborating with partners who believe in the mission, and holding on to a positive outlook, I was able to stay the course and bring BE on Edgewood to life. Every hurdle taught me something, and every setback helped shape a stronger, more intentional project.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers on building communities that heal, connect, and uplift. I’m a community builder, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to fostering unity across racial, cultural, and social divides. I specialize in creating spaces, both physical and relational where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to work together for the common good.
Through my role as Co-Chair of the National Center for Race Amity, I help lead national efforts to advance racial healing through friendship and collaboration. As the founder of BE on Edgewood, I’m transforming Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward by preserving its rich history while creating a vibrant hub for renewal, creativity, and belonging.
What I’m most proud of is helping turn vision into impact, seeing neglected places become centers of connection, and witnessing people who once felt divided come together in friendship and shared purpose. What sets me apart is my ability to weave faith, service, and community development into one mission: to build spaces where every person can thrive in unity and love.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Absolutely, I love taking risks. It’s honestly one of the most energizing parts of being an entrepreneur and community-builder. I’ve had several business ventures over the years, and each one came from a willingness to try something new, trust my instincts, and believe that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s always something valuable on the other side.
For me, taking risks is bold, necessary, and exciting. You don’t know what you don’t know until you step into it, and I’ve learned that growth really lives in those moments where you bet on yourself. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken recently was launching Be On Edgewood. It was a completely new concept, a major investment, and a big leap of faith, but I’m so grateful I went for it. The impact it’s having on the community, the creative ecosystem, and the people we engage with every day makes every risk more than worth it.
So yes, I’m definitely a risk-taker. And I think the world belongs to people who are willing to try, learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Pricing:
- At this time, there isn’t any pricing information we are sharing publicly. For the most up-to-date details on our offerings, events, and space rentals, please visit our website: https://www.beonedgewood.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beonedgewood.com/
- Instagram: @BeOnEdgewood
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjanyavari
