Today, we’d like to introduce you to Effie Santos.
Hi Effie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My life has always been driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact. With 25 years in leadership, consulting, and the financial industry, I’ve dedicated myself to forging strategic collaborations that benefit both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Despite my success, there was a point when I felt something crucial was missing. During a reflective pause, I realized what truly brought me joy, leading me to pivot and start my own company focused on connecting nonprofits with supportive corporations.
However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I faced the most devastating pause of my life. On March 4th, 2021, my daughter Madi was tragically taken from us in a car accident. Everything stopped for me then. It wasn’t until February 2022, nearly a year later, that I found the strength to step back onto the public stage. My TEDx talk, “The Power of the Pause: Finding Courage in Change,” marked my return to the community and was the first time I spoke about Madi’s dreams and goals publicly, which inspired the creation of Madi’s Movement. This nonprofit launched on what would have been Madi’s 22nd birthday, August 15, 2023.