Purpose Commons is building a dynamic learning network where collaborators across the youth development ecosystem work together to ask the questions that matter to young people and put ideas into action.
We envision a world where all young people navigate systems designed to support purpose-rich environments that provide opportunities and relationships to encourage the exploration and authentic pursuit of their purpose.
Why purpose?
Research shows that a sense of purpose shifts resilience, well-being, academic success and career fulfillment. When young people see a future worth striving for, they thrive, and so do their communities.
Listen to co-founder Dr. Anthony Burrow explain the science of purpose on the Hidden Brain podcast.
Our story started with a question:
What if purpose was treated like a common good or need, accessible to everyone?
Founded by Dr. Jana Haritatos and Dr. Anthony Burrow and incubated at Hopelab, Purpose Commons is built around the belief that science should do more than live in journals; it should actively benefit everyday lives.
“Commons“ isn’t just our name—it’s our approach. The founders deliberately designed Purpose Commons to be the bridge between purpose research and everyday application. Their vision was expansive. They sought to create a new kind of entity that would foster a practical understanding of purpose in real-world settings.
We are creating shared spaces where collaboration thrives. Through our close partnership with the Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange (PSiX) at Cornell University, we are connecting the ecosystem by bridging the knowledge base of leading science and research, the brilliance of the field, and authentic partnership with young people who shape the conversations to better understand and put purpose into action.
Questions open doors to new ways of thinking, inspiring bolder collaboration within our ecosystem. Questions sparked Purpose Commons, and questions will continue to guide our work. Our co-creation approach ensures the voices of young people and their communities lead the way, breaking traditional boundaries and cultivating lasting change.
Our Team
TeRay Esquibel
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Pih
CHIEF OF STAFF
Jenin Sabbah
DIRECTOR OF ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Anthony Burrow
CO-FOUNDER & ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Jana Haritatos
CO-FOUNDER & ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR
Advisors
Our advisory board brings together diverse expertise and perspectives to guide Purpose Commons’ strategic direction. These thought leaders and practitioners share our commitment to youth thriving and provide invaluable wisdom as we work to transform systems and create new possibilities for young people.
Dr. Jana Haritatos
Advisory Board Chair | Chief Science & Innovation Officer, Hopelab
Dr. Anthony Burrow
Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies, Department of Psychology, & Director, Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange, Cornell University
Dr. Antwan Jefferson
Associate Dean & Associate Teaching Professor at the School of Education and Human Development, University of Colorado Denver
Becky Crowe
Consultant, Changemaker Giving
Christine DeLeon
Founder & Principal, CDL Consulting
Deirdre Cerminaro
Senior Organizational Design Manager, Airbnb
Elijah Huff
Research & Action Initiatives Manager, Ednium: The Alumni Collective
Hamet Watt
Founder & CEO, Share Ventures
Jarra Sokhnadiarra Ndiaye
CEO, Muneko
Kristen Grimm
Founder, Spitfire Strategies
Samira Pingali
Principal, Translational Science, Hopelab
Dr. Sean Talamas
Founder & Executive Coach, Leadership Cooperative
Partners
Purpose thrives through collaboration and partnership. We’re proud to partner with visionary organizations and institutions committed to nurturing youth potential and purpose. Purpose Commons is also generously supported by a coalition of funding partners.
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