Introducing the New Magento Association Board Members: Meet Vijay Golani
Back in 2009, Vijay Golani was finishing up his engineering degree in Information Technology. His final year project? Android development - cutting-edge stuff at the time. But when he graduated, there were no Android jobs to be found.
“So I joined a startup,” he recalls. “And on day one, they told me to start learning Magento 1. I had no clue what it was.”
That day set the course for the rest of his career. From developer roles across multiple agencies, to becoming VP of Development at Wagento, to co-founding Evrig in 2021, Magento has remained at the heart of Vijay’s journey. And not just as a technology - it’s been a community, a mission, and, in many ways, a calling.
From Developer to Board Member
Vijay isn’t new to the Magento Association. For over two years, he served on the Events Committee, helping shape the global calendar of Meetups, Contribution Days, and Meet Magento events. He’s trained developers in over 15 countries. And now, as a newly elected Board Member, he’s stepping up to take that involvement even further.
“After Adobe acquired Magento, it became clear that the community would need to step up to shape its future,” he says. “The Magento Association is our way of doing that. I’ve admired the work the Board and committees have done, and now it feels like the right time to contribute at a deeper level.”
Vijay’s focus? Practical impact. He’s especially passionate about two things: recognising contributors and fixing the documentation gap.
“Magento’s documentation has been scattered or moved away. It’s harder now for developers and merchants to learn or get started. That’s something I really want to help rebuild - clear, accessible resources that empower the community.”
A Mission Rooted in Community
Ask Vijay what the Magento Association is all about, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“For me, the mission is simple: bring the community together and make Magento stronger.”
Through ups and downs, ownership changes and shifting priorities, one thing has remained constant - the people behind Magento. And the MA is the structure that keeps those people connected, supported, and moving forward.
“It’s not just about events or initiatives. It’s about making sure people feel seen and valued, whether they’re writing code, creating content, or just showing up. That’s what keeps the spirit of Magento alive.”
The Pillars That Shape Everything
The MA’s foundation is built on some core pillars - Community Engagement, Magento Open Source Code, Magento Marketing, Open Collaboration, Growth & Governance, and Liaising with Adobe. These aren’t just buzzwords, they’re the principles guiding everything the Association does.
“These pillars help us stay focused on what matters,” Vijay explains. “They encourage ego-free collaboration, fair growth, and that crucial connection with Adobe. It’s about strengthening the ecosystem, supporting contributors, and keeping Magento community-driven.”
He points to initiatives like the Magento Champion program, the Community Council, the MA podcast, and the growing network of partners and contributors as real-world examples of the pillars in action.
Why Join the Magento Association?
According to Vijay, there’s a simple reason to join the MA: it’s a gateway to opportunity.
“You get access to a network of passionate people - people who love to share, support, and help you grow. Whether you’re a solo developer, agency, or merchant, being part of the MA means you’re plugged into something bigger.”
It also means access to real, global networking. MA members connect through Town Halls, Meet Magento events, Contribution Days, and even dedicated Slack channels.
“The Magento community is global. The MA gives you the chance to meet people, learn from them, and even collaborate on real projects. That’s how professional growth happens.”
Getting Involved: Start Local, Think Global
So how does someone new get started?
“First, become a free or paid member. Then jump into a Slack channel, go to your local Meetup, attend a Meet Magento event,” Vijay says. “That gives you a real feel for how this community works, and how you can contribute.”
There are also many ways to volunteer, from joining committees to helping run events. “The MA is always looking for people who care,” he adds. “There’s always room to help.”
A Vision for the Future
Vijay is clear about his goal for the MA: keep moving forward.
“Past Board Members have done great work to get us here. Now, it’s about taking the Association to the next level - growing the community, adding value for members, and gaining even more trust from developers, merchants, and partners.”
He believes the future of the MA lies in balancing two things: supporting seasoned contributors and bringing in fresh voices.
“We need mentorship and innovation. That’s what will keep Magento relevant and evolving.”
If Magento Changed Your Life…
Vijay ends with a heartfelt message for anyone considering joining the MA:
“If Magento has had a positive impact on your career, and you feel proud of that, it’s time to give back. Become a member. Help take Magento to the next level.”
And for current members?
“Spread the word. Bring others in. Contribute your code, your voice, your content. Let’s show the world that Magento is alive, well, and stronger than ever, because of all of us.”
