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POL Leadership
At Purple Orange Life, our dedicated team is passionate about making education accessible to everyone. We believe in empowering learners through innovative approaches and community engagement. Each member of our team brings unique skills and experiences to help shape a brighter future for all learners.
Steven F. Freeman
Founder
Steven F. Freeman is a professor, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on applied research, complex systems, strategic leadership, and learning. With a Ph.D. from MIT in Organization Studies and System Dynamics and extensive experience teaching advanced graduate and doctoral-level courses, he has dedicated much of his career to making research rigorous, relevant, and useful in the real world. His approach to applied research emphasizes asking meaningful questions, understanding complex situations, and transforming knowledge into practical action. His work and teaching have influenced how learners approach research—not simply as an academic exercise, but as a way to understand problems, explore possibilities, and create meaningful solutions. POL’s journey was inspired in part by this philosophy: that research, learning, and creativity can become powerful tools when they are accessible, practical, and connected to real-life challenges.
Darshi Mody
Program Management Specialist
Darshi Mody is an educator, researcher, and designer of learning experiences with a passion for making applied research, systems thinking, and creativity accessible and meaningful in everyday life. Her work brings together research, design thinking, idealized design, and real-world experience to help people look at familiar challenges in new ways. Through her work with Purple Orange Life, Darshi has transformed these ideas into practical learning experiences and innovative frameworks, including the Design Routine and Artistic Connections programs. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning should not simply provide answers—it should help people unlearn, explore, think differently, and intentionally create meaningful possibilities.
Darshi’s work continues to bridge the space between research and real life, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to turn curiosity into action and ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Our Professional Volunteers
POL is fortunate to have professionals who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise to support our work and programs. Their experience helps us strengthen our organization, develop meaningful learning experiences, and bring practical perspectives into what we offer. We are grateful for our incredible volunteers who tirelessly contribute their time and expertise to support our mission. Their commitment helps us deliver impactful educational programs and reach underserved communities.
Luke Swinson
Editorial & Content Advisor
Luke supports POL through his expertise in writing, editing, proofreading, and content development. His contribution helps ensure that POL’s ideas, programs, and resources are communicated with clarity, consistency, and purpose across its website, publications, workshops, and learning materials.
Robyn Chin
Design Facilitator
Robyn supports POL ’s learning experiences through her expertise in design, creative facilitation, and participant engagement. She helps create thoughtful and engaging experiences that encourage participants to explore ideas, approach challenges from new perspectives, and translate creativity into meaningful action.
Toral Gathani
CPA, NY Licensed
Toral supports POL with her expertise in accounting, financial management, and nonprofit financial practices. Her guidance helps POL strengthen its financial foundation, establish sound processes, and support the organization’s continued growth and sustainability.