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
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TeRay Esquibel is a social entrepreneur focused on community development and collaboration that drives action. Before joining Purpose Commons, he was the co-founder/executive director of Ednium: The Alumni Collective, amplifying young alumni voices to transform Denver‘s educational ecosystem and boost socioeconomic mobility. His leadership at Ednium advanced participatory research initiatives, influencing graduation requirements in financial literacy and ethnic studies and securing over $10 million to expand postsecondary opportunities. TeRay has also held roles at RootED, Gary Community Ventures, and the Joyful Impact Social Entrepreneurs Accelerator. He’s a current Pahara Fellow, serves on multiple boards and has been recognized as Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
Michael Pih
Chief of Staff
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Michael Pih serves as Purpose Commons’ operational strategist, working closely with the Executive Director to translate the organization's vision into action while managing strategic partnerships. He brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Character Lab, Contigo Ed, and other youth development organizations, where he developed systems that facilitated collaboration and impact. Michael is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and The University of Chicago.
Dr. Anthony Burrow
Co-Founder & Advisory Board Member
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Anthony Burrow is the Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies in Psychology at Cornell University. He directs the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research and serves as Senior Associate Dean for Outreach in the College of Human Ecology. Burrow also leads PRYDE, linking science and service to promote positive youth development. For over 20 years, his research has explored how cultivating purpose contributes to positive adjustment and resilience under stress. His leadership inspired the creation of PSiX at Cornell and the Purpose Commons–PSiX partnership, connecting researchers globally with community organizations to support youth in developing their sense of purpose.
Dr. Jana Haritatos
Co-Founder & Advisory Board Chair
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Jana Haritatos is Chief Science Officer at Hopelab, guiding its scientific and innovation priorities at the intersection of science, technology, and youth well-being. She collaborates closely with Hopelab’s CEO, board, research teams, and community partners to advance health equity and thriving for young people. Previously, Dr. Haritatos earned her doctorate in Psychology from the University of Michigan and completed a fellowship at UCSF, focusing on psychological and cultural factors shaping health in diverse populations. At Hopelab, she’s led the creation and evaluation of digital health products and developed programs supporting translational research and fellowships in adolescent health, developmental psychology, and positive psychology.
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 Officer, Hopelab
Dr. Anthony Burrow
Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies in Psychology and Director of Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange (PSiX), Cornell University
Dr. Antwan Jefferson
Associate Dean and Associate Teaching Professor at the School of Education & Human Development, University of Colorado Denver
Becky Crowe
Changemaker Giving
Deirdre Cerminaro
Senior Organizational Design Manager, AirBnb
Hamet Watt
Founder & CEO, Share Ventures
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.
Let’s Connect
Interested in partnering or learning more about our work? We’d love to hear from you.