About Us
GoodGesture is made up of people who believe showing up for each other should be easier.
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We're a growing team of designers, developers, researchers, and community advocates building GoodGesture from the ground up. Every decision is guided by the idea that support should be accessible, dignified, and driven by real needs. We're working to create a better way for communities to help one another when it matters most.
Our Mission
Our Team
Meet the People Behind GoodGesture
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Parker Reneau
Founder & Product Lead
Hi there, I'm Parker! In addition to being the founder of GoodGesture, I am a few things, including a UX (User Experience) M.S graduate, a runner, cat dad, nature enthusiast, major creative at heart, animal fanatic, and proud Portlander.
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In 2021 my long-term partner and I packed up all our things, left everything we'd ever known in our hometown, and moved to Portland. I absolutely fell in love with the city. There was a lot to admire here that I was drawn to almost immediately (outside of just the wonderful food scene and experiencing the changing of seasons for the very first time). I loved how community-centric everything was and how Portlanders are so passionate about uplifting their fellow neighbor. This ties in directly with my personal values, core being, and who I strive to be as an individual in everyday life. I am someone who cares deeply about other humans and how the societal factors in the world we live in affect the folks around me.
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More than anything, I have always been especially passionate about how technology has such strong potential to bring people together in creative ways.
Joseph Erlinger
Co-Founder & Lead Strategist
I earned my B.S. in Computer Science at the University of Oregon, graduating in 2025. I served as a Resident Assistant for Barnhart and Riley halls from 2023 to 2025. In January 2026, I introduced myself on the Code PDX Discord and was surprised to find a message from Parker about a project called ‘GoodGesture.’ Since then, I have engineered GoodGesture’s backend, created YouTube tutorials for the team, and shared lessons learned from technical networking events I attend around Portland.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy journaling, drawing, and listening to music. Journaling helps me reflect on my purpose and my relationships with others. I also started drawing self-portraits a few months ago – but I don’t plan on publishing my work any time soon, respectfully. And music? You’ll rarely catch me without something playing.
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Snigdha Behara
Lead UX Researcher
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Hi! I’m Snigdha, and I am a UX Researcher with a Master’s in Human Computer Interaction from the State University of New York. My MO has always been using tech for social good, and I strongly advocate for a human-centered and ethical approach.
What drew me to GoodGesture is its no-nonsense approach and commitment to ensuring community needs are actually met, not just posted about. I am very excited to understand what drives people to show up for their communities and build platforms that center those voices by cutting through the noise. I truly believe in the power of human connection and using tech to amplify it and make an impact.
When I am not researching, I go down obscure history rabbit holes, read, or find ways to be near bodies of water.
Daniel Parks
Lead Developer
Hey, I’m Daniel! I first knew I wanted to program computers when my family got a Macintosh SE/30 in 1989. I was 5. It started as a pure desire to create, but over the years it became about what the computer could do for people — how it could enable their ambitions, make their lives easier, or just entertain them. In my own life computers have helped me learn American Sign Language, backpack the Pacific Crest Trail with my mom, and earn a living. One place computers have not played a big role was in my mutual aid work — mostly supporting unhoused neighbors. Helping build the Good Gesture app feels like the missing piece that finally connects two important pieces of my life.
Divya Adem
Developer
Hi, I’m Divya! I’m a recent Computer Science graduate from Columbia University. I’m Bay Area girl born and raised, and in my free time you can catch me watching 2000's cartoons, adventuring outdoors with friends, or snuggling up with a book. Giving back to local communities has always been a important part of my personal and professional journey, from providing free tutoring for underresourced youth to running summer camps for kids. In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy for many people and communities to feel isolated form one another.
Products like GoodGesture that foster human connection and community support are more important than ever. I’m really excited to have joined the team!
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Ellina Yana
UX Researcher
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I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior, which led to my psychology degree, seven years in recruitment, and my path into UX research. Now in the Seattle area, I’m inspired by GoodGesture’s mission to provide true help and get real human needs met. As a researcher, that is the ultimate motivation!
Outside of work, I love exploring the Evergreen State by hiking and paddling. When I’m at home, I enjoy cooking vegan desserts, learning Spanish, and walking my neighbors’ dogs (the absolute best walking partners!). I love an evidence-based approach—even though I’m not a traditional tech geek, I always use my research mindset to get to the bottom of the truth!
De Jose (DJ) Nevarro
UX Researcher
Hey, I’m DJ! I’m a UX researcher at GoodGesture and a Psychology BSc student graduating in 2027. I've always been curious about why people do what they do, which is what pulled me from a Psychology degree into UX research. What drew me to GoodGesture is how directly the research ties back to real community needs, not just what people click, but why they show up for each other in the first place.
I'm originally from Puerto Rico and a huge foodie, I love tropical fruit and home-cooked dishes wherever I go. I'm also working toward a Master's in Human-Computer Interaction—excited to keep building on the work I get to do here!