S1E16: Turning Loss Into Legacy: A Mother’s Mission for Foster Youth (Effie Santos, Founder of Madi’s Movement)

In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, Jennie Treby sits down with Effie Santos, former banker, author, TEDx speaker and founder of Madi’s Movement. After the devastating loss of her teenage daughter Madi, Effie transformed unimaginable tragedy into a legacy of hope and opportunity for youth aging out of the foster system.

Effie shares her journey of resilience, the lessons behind her book The Power of the Pause, and how Madi’s vision inspired the creation of a nonprofit dedicated to helping teens and young adults aging out of foster care. Through services encompassing education, employment and empowerment, Madi’s Movement provides practical pathways to young people who often face homelessness, incarceration and other hardships. From GED support and driving programs to financial literacy and career pathways, the organization equips foster youth to become independent and thrive.

Listen in to Learn:

• The inspiration behind Madi’s Movement and why the organization focuses on teens and young adults aging out of the foster care system.
• How the Advocate Program, Madi’s Movement Academy and Pathways to Employment work together to provide a comprehensive support system.
• The barriers foster youth encounter, from separation from siblings to limited knowledge of how to access education, jobs and even driver’s licenses.
• How Madi’s Movement equips teens and young adults with life skills like nutrition and wellness, financial literacy from budgeting to credit, and career readiness through resumes and interview practice.
• How anyone can “show up” to make a difference, no matter their background or resources.

This episode highlights how Madi’s legacy is opening doors, providing consistent guidance and changing futures for foster youth who are too often left to navigate adulthood on their own.

Links:

Madi’s Movement

Think Big for Kids

More about Effie Santos

Effie Santos’ Website

Effie Santos on LinkedIn

About host Jennie Treby

Jennie Treby on LinkedIn

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