Startup Conversations August with Cody Goldberg

GG Cody QJ Goldberg is a dreamer and a doer. He is the child of bona fide San Francisco hippies and was once babysat by Janis Joplin. He received a BFA in Film/Television studies from New York University's Tisch School of The Arts. At 30, he "dropped out" to play percussion in a wandering tribal band of gypsies called "La Tribu Cosmica." During that magical year in Mexico, he filmed a documentary about the group and its experiences and became fluent in Spanish.

​Upon his return, he fell into a successful 14-year career in brand marketing for adidas and Red Bull Energy Drink before making the courageous leap to pursue his life's true purpose. Cody speaks of his jump from a corporate career to running the non- profit Harper's Playground, which he and his wife, April, spearheaded and launched In 2010. Together, they led a groundbreaking movement that resulted in the design, funding, and construction of the first totally inclusive playground in Portland, Oregon - a testament to their unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive world, one playground at a time. Naturally.

​Their passion project, Harper’s Playground, was featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, and their family had a day named for them by the mayor of Portland for their efforts.

​In 2024, Cody published his first book, A Kids Book About Play. The book showcases why lifelong play is good for the soul, how play allows us to explore our interests, and teaches us the importance of collaboration and inclusion.

​Cody, April, daughters Harper and Lennon, and their dog, Millie, make their home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where their dream of inclusivity is a reality.