Our Leadership
Madi's Movement Team
Prepare to be inspired by the dedicated individuals who are the heart and soul of Madi’s Movement. Our board members bring passion, expertise, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of foster teens. With their collective wisdom and dedication, they drive our mission forward, empowering young lives to soar beyond their challenges.
Get to know the extraordinary minds behind our movement and join us in creating a hopeful future for every foster teen we serve.
Our Team

Effie Santos
Founder & President
Effie is a visionary leader, relentless advocate, and the driving force behind Madi’s Movement, founded to fulfill her daughter Madi’s dream of equipping teens aging out of foster care with the resources, confidence, and opportunities to build their futures. With three decades of experience in banking, leadership, and entrepreneurship, she excels in strategic partnerships, business development, and nonprofit growth, ensuring Madi’s Movement remains a catalyst for change and impact.
As a TEDx speaker, Effie delivers her transformational talk, “The Power of the Pause: Finding Courage in Change,” inspiring others to embrace challenges, take bold action, and lead with purpose. She is also expanding her reach as a speaker, author, and thought leader, using her platform to drive conversations around resilience, leadership, and advocacy.
Effie loves being a mom, wife, mentor, and champion for change. Madi’s fierce spirit fuels her mission to create opportunities for young adults aging out of foster care, living out Madi’s dreams every day.

Kerri Piniero
Program Director
Kerri has dedicated over 25 years to working with children, families, and young adults, primarily in the nonprofit sector as a social worker. With 16 years of experience in mental health as a case manager and mentor, she has supported countless foster youth, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and advocacy they deserve. She has also served as a child protection investigator and teacher, further strengthening her ability to empower young people.
As Program Director of Madi’s Movement, Kerri is committed to creating programs that equip young adults aging out of foster care with the skills and confidence to transition into independence. Her passion is deeply personal—having raised her niece after she was removed from her mother’s care, she understands the gaps in support.
Madi was like a niece to Kerri, making her role in Madi’s Movement even more meaningful. She finds immense purpose in continuing Madi’s vision, ensuring young adults feel supported, empowered, and seen.

Sam Motyl
Director of Partnerships & Engagement
Sam Motyl is a nonprofit leader and relationship-builder with a passion for creating opportunities for young adults aging out of foster care. With a Master’s degree in Public Administration specializing in nonprofit management from Florida State University, she has dedicated her career to strategic partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement that drive sustainable impact.
As Director of Partnerships & Engagements at Madi’s Movement, Sam is focused on connecting donors, businesses, and community leaders to expand resources and opportunities for young adults. She believes in the power of mentorship, financial support, and advocacy to transform lives and is committed to ensuring that Madi’s Movement continues to be a force for lasting change.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys volleyball, yoga, and discovering new nurseries for her plant collection. She also cherishes time with her golden retriever, Charlie, and her cat, Milo.

Athena Ebie
Social Media Strategist
Athena plays a vital role in Madi’s Movement, bringing her expertise in marketing, creativity, and strategic communication to support the organization’s mission. As Social Media Strategist, she helps amplify the movement’s impact by engaging the community, sharing stories, and raising awareness about the realities faced by teens aging out of foster care.
With a degree in Marketing Management from the University of Central Florida, Athena’s entrepreneurial spirit fuels her fresh, innovative approach to storytelling and advocacy. She is passionate about creating meaningful conversations that highlight both the challenges and opportunities for young adults transitioning out of the system.
Inspired by her sister Madi’s spunky spirit, Athena is committed to honoring her memory through meaningful action. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, art, traveling, and cherishing memories of Madi. Her loyal companion, Mochi, brings love and joy to her life.