Our Story
Marsai's Way Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by actress, producer, and entrepreneur Marsai Martin to empower the next generation of young women through innovation, empowerment, leadership, and legacy.
Inspired by family, community, and purpose, the Foundation creates opportunities for young people to dream boldly, lead confidently, and build lives filled with meaning. Through mentorship, education, creative expression, and leadership development, we equip youth with the tools, experiences, and support they need to become tomorrow's changemakers.
At the heart of the Foundation is the legacy of Marsai Chari Murry, a bright and compassionate young woman whose life continues to inspire hope, resilience, and opportunity. Marsai Martin was lovingly named in honor of her cousin, and the Foundation carries that legacy forward by transforming love into leadership, remembrance into action, and purpose into lasting impact for future generations.
At Marsai's Way Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, lead with confidence, and create a legacy that extends far beyond themselves.
Brand Pillars
Innovation
Encouraging creative thinking, entrepreneurship, technology, and artistic expression.
Empowerment
Equipping youth with confidence, resources, and real-world opportunities.
Leadership
Developing courageous, compassionate leaders who positively impact their communities.
Legacy
Honoring those who came before us while building a stronger future for generations to come.
Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin continues to cement herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry as both an actress and producer. Best known for her breakout role as Diane Johnson on the Emmy-nominated sitcom “Black-Ish,” the multiple award-winning actress will next star opposite Viola Davis and Anthony Anderson in Prime Video’s thriller movie G20.
At only 9 years old, Martin made her debut in ABC’s “Black-Ish” opposite Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson. The actress went on to receive 9 NAACP Image Awards, a Young Artist Award, and a BET Award for the role. She also received 2 Screen Actors Guild nominations alongside her cast for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Following this, Martin starred in, and executive produced her first studio feature film, LITTLE, for Universal Pictures, which earned her 2 more NAACP Awards in addition to Teen Choice Award and MTV Movie + TV Award nominations. With LITTLE, Martin became the youngest person to executive produce a studio film as well as the youngest African American producer. Martin then went on to found her own production company, Genius Productions. In 2019, Genius Productions, signed a first-look production deal with Universal Pictures. Martin is the youngest person to get a first-look deal at Universal, and the youngest person to get a deal at any studio.
Martin went on to star in and produce comedy film, FANTASY FOOTBALL, alongside Kelly Rowland and Omari Hardwick. She has also done voice work for SPIRIT UNTAMED, PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE and its sequel PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE, as well as LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY. On television, Martin executive produced “Saturdays” through Genius Productions and also lent her voice to “Good Times” as well as “Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky.” In 2024, Martin appeared on “The Masked Singer” showing her full vocal talents and range as an artist.
Martin was included on the Forbes 30 under 30 list at the age of 15 in 2019, and was previously named as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘Time 100 Next’ and Refinery29’s 29 Powerhouses. She frequently speaks out on the importance of women’s health, notably becoming a Move4Her ambassador for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer in 2024. Martin also notably serves as a Brand Ambassador and Partner Producer with Clinique, and has partnered with brands such as GlassesUSA, Tampax, Kate Spade and Pretty Little Thing.
Joshua Martin
Joshua Martin is a visionary investor, business strategist, and media executive committed to identifying and nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and giving back to the community. With a strong foundation in corporate leadership, business development, and large-scale event production, he has built a career on turning opportunities into success stories.
As Co-founder and President of Genius Productions, Joshua played a major role in producing Little (2019), a groundbreaking film that established his daughter, Marsai Martin, as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood. But long before the Hollywood lights, Joshua and his wife, Carol, recognized Marsai’s brilliance. Even as a young child, she displayed an extraordinary ability to navigate technology figuring out passwords, using computers, and communicating beyond her years. From the beginning, they knew she had an old soul and an innate gift for storytelling and creativity, and they were committed to nurturing her talent.
For Joshua and the entire Martin family, success is never just about personal achievement it’s about creating opportunities for others. Their passion for service and philanthropy runs deep, and much of their giving is done quietly and anonymously. Joshua is especially committed to supporting HBCUs, empowering young boys who lack father figures, and providing resources to those striving for a better future.
Although Joshua grew up with a strong father in his life, he understands that many young men don’t have that same guidance. He believes that successful men have a duty to give back, mentor, and open doors for the next generation. His focus is on helping young men, entrepreneurs, and small business owners find the resources they need to build sustainable success.
Joshua’s dedication to supporting women-led businesses is personal. His mother was an entrepreneur, and he witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs women face in business. Because of this, he is passionate about investing in female entrepreneurs, knowing that when women succeed, families and communities thrive.
Alongside his wife, Carol Martin, Joshua believes in the power of teamwork, faith, and unity. They operate as a true partnership, ensuring that their family remains grounded, that Marsai has every opportunity to thrive, and that they continue their mission to create lasting change. Whether through business, media, sports, or philanthropy, the Martins work together to turn vision into reality.
Carol Martin
Carol Martin is an entertainment executive, producer, entrepreneur, and strategic business leader with more than two decades of experience building brands, negotiating complex business deals, and developing companies with long-term impact. As Chief Strategy Officer and Advisor at Genius Entertainment, she has helped transform bold creative ideas into successful businesses while overseeing the operational and strategic infrastructure behind one of Hollywood’s most influential young entertainment companies.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in the music industry, Carol developed an early understanding of the intersection of creativity, business, and opportunity. She later built a successful career in corporate America before applying that experience to entrepreneurship, where she and her husband, Joshua Martin, co-founded Genius Entertainment and helped guide the remarkable career of their daughter, acclaimed actress and producer Marsai Martin. Together, they have built a family-owned entertainment company recognized for championing original storytelling, creative excellence, and authentic representation.
Throughout her career, Carol has become known for her ability to build organizations from the ground up, create strategic partnerships, and negotiate high-value agreements across entertainment, media, branding, and philanthropy. Whether structuring business ventures, managing complex productions, or leading corporate negotiations, she approaches every challenge with thoughtful strategy, financial discipline, and unwavering advocacy for her clients and partners.
Carol is equally passionate about helping others build their own legacies. She has mentored aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, helping them transform ideas into actionable business plans, navigate entrepreneurship with confidence, and position themselves for long-term success. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in preparation, execution, and the belief that opportunity follows those willing to do the work.
Her commitment to service extends beyond business. As a leader of Marsai’s Way Foundation, Carol has helped develop initiatives that empower young women, expand educational opportunities, and invest in underserved communities. She also quietly supports organizations that serve women, children, and senior citizens, believing that meaningful philanthropy is measured by impact rather than recognition.
A respected strategist, negotiator, and executive, Carol has earned a reputation for bringing clarity to complexity and leading with integrity, resilience, and purpose. Her work continues to center on building sustainable businesses, creating opportunities for others, and establishing generational legacies that extend far beyond financial success.
Whether in the boardroom, on a production set, or through philanthropic leadership, Carol Martin remains committed to empowering people, elevating powerful stories, and creating lasting impact through business , service, and innovation.
Lexi Underwood
Lexi Underwood is an actress, singer, filmmaker, author, and changemaker.
Underwood is best known for her role in Hulu’s Emmy-nominated limited series, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, co-starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. She was nominated for a 2021 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Performance by a Youth” for her portrayal of Pearl Warren in the series.
Underwood can most recently be seen starring in season 2 of Freeform’s anthology series, CRUEL SUMMER. Underwood can also be seen in Tommy Dorfman’s directorial debut, I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, opposite Alexandra Daddario and Cole Sprouse, which is based on the best-selling novel by Mason Deaver.
Underwood other works includes portraying Malia Obama in Showtime’s THE FIRST LADY opposite Viola Davis; staring in the Emmy winning Disney+ special, SNEAKERELLA, staring in Marc Webb’s anthology series JUST BEYOND for Disney+, and the independent feature IF NOT NOW, WHEN, opposite Meagan Good.
On stage, Underwood made her Broadway debut at the age of 11 in the award-winning theatrical production, THE LION KING as “Young Nala”.
In 2018, Underwood founded her production company, Ultimate Dreamer Productions. UDP, is a media brand dedicated to creating digital content, television, film, and music that tells inclusive stories from the perspective of diverse, underrepresented voices. UDP’s mission is to change the narrative, create awareness, tell our own stories, and inspire others to dream.
Underwood is committed to using her voice and platform to give back and raise awareness on issues that impact girls and youth, both locally and globally. Some of the organizations she supports include Black Voters Matter, March for our Lives, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and she is an avid supporter of (RED) as a (RED)ucator.
Underwood is proud of her continued relationship with Forbes, which started in 2022 when she was the youngest keynote speaker at the Forbes inaugural 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi. In 2023, she was a Forbes Under 30 Summit panel speaker for the Putting the Biz In Showbiz panel. In 2024, Underwood became an Under 30 Hollywood and Entertainment Lister. She served on the selection committee for the 2025 Under 30 Hollywood and Entertainment Listers.
In 2024, Lexi’s debut novel, LOUDER THAN WORDS, co-written with author Ashley Woodfolk, was released with Scholastic. Louder THAN WORDS landed on Kirkus’s best books of 2024 list.
Underwood is originally from the greater Washington, D.C. area and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Andrea Machette Lopez
Professionally, I am a wordsmith - a novelist, a playwright. Personally, I am a mother of two young ladies: one, a corporate entertainment professional; the other, completing her final year of university study. Thusly, I have been relieved of my duties. As a board member of Marsai’s Way Foundation, I feel like a proud parent, readily anticipating the success of another daughter.
I was raised to understand that knowledge is the one constant that can never be diminished; so, although I’ve earned a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, I have since enrolled myself somewhere to study something, many times. I felt it important that my daughters not only heard me speak of knowledge being their most important tool, but that they saw me polish my own.
The vision of Marsai’s Way Foundation embodies the same message, and it is equally important that the collective input of its board aligns in developing cooperative initiatives across HBCU communities. Together, we will generate confident young women who are prepared to step boldly into the lives awaiting them.
Karen Civil
Karen Civil is a respected media strategist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a strong track record of bridging culture, community, and commerce. As the founder of Always Civil, she has led marketing and branding campaigns for global brands and high-profile talent, using her influence to create platforms that uplift underserved voices.
With a deep commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment, Karen brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience to her board role with Marcille Martin’s charity. Her work aligns with the organization’s mission to support holistic development and access to opportunities for young people and families in need.
Crystal Carson
Crystal Carson is a creative storyteller with over a decade of experience advising high-profile figures on reaching key audiences through TV, film, podcasts, and documentaries. She has built lasting relationships with news media and various organizations to highlight ways people can positively impact society. Crystal currently serves at the Director of Communications for Michelle Obama and works within the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, the family office that serves as the primary hub for all personal, official and public facing activities of the former President and First Lady.
Crystal serves as the spokesperson for Mrs. Obama, and is responsible for the strategy and implementation of all public facing activities. She works closely with the digital team to manage all content, messaging, and engagements across Mrs. Obama’s social media platforms. In her spare time, Crystal teaches yoga and barre. She enjoys volunteering in DC where she lives especially for local mentorship programs.
In her spare time, Crystal teaches yoga and barre. She enjoys volunteering in DC where she lives especially for local mentorship programs.
Candice Hicks-Coleman
Candice Hicks-Coleman is the Executive Chief of Staff to the Chief Technology Officer of the Dallas Mavericks. In her role, Candice is responsible for supporting the CTO’s strategic direction, with a focus on emerging technology, innovation, and organizational effectiveness. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Chief of Staff to the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, where she was responsible for supporting the CEO’s strategic direction for human capital management and overall diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Before joining the Mavericks, Candice had a twelve-year career with AT&T, Inc., where she identified, hired, and developed high-potential leaders. In addition to her HR role, she worked directly with the Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Development Officer, as a strategic partner, driving AT&T’s efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
A native New Orleanian, Candice’s passion for creating safe spaces for courageous conversations stems from her personal experiences. “Losing everything in Hurricane Katrina made me realize the importance of belonging and support,” she shares. She approaches DE&I efforts with her personal motto: “No matter how dark the road, no matter how long, I will stand with you hand in hand—you will never be alone.” This belief is the foundation of her work, aimed at eliminating bias, building trust, and fostering mutual respect.
Marissa B. Elder
Marissa B. Elder is a Washington, D.C.-based attorney at a leading global law firm, where her practice spans regulatory compliance, fraud investigations, securities, and complex commercial litigation. She has contributed to high-stakes government investigations at the state and federal level, complex litigation matters, and appellate work, including a successful victory before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
A trailblazer in the legal profession, Marissa made history at the University of Texas School of Law as the first Black woman to serve as President of the Student Bar Association. During her time at Texas Law, she was deeply involved in the life of the institution; she was named a 2022 University of Texas Outstanding Graduate and selected as Texas Law's student speaker at the university-wide commencement ceremony.
Marissa's leadership extends well beyond her day-to-day practice. She has been named the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division's National Legal Innovation Vice Director and, most recently, was selected as a Cohort 12 member of the D.C. Bar's John Payton Leadership Academy, a prestigious program that cultivates the next generation of public interest and civic leaders. She is also deeply committed to service and community; Marissa mentors aspiring attorneys through pipeline programs at the University of Texas School of Law and Drexel University, and serves on the University of Texas School of Law Alumni Board's DC Regional Committee. Her commitment to service began early, as the founder of the Primary Princess Project, a nonprofit she established to promote education and representation for young children of color.
Marissa holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, along with dual bachelor's degrees — a B.S. from the Moody College of Communication and a B.A. from the College of Liberal Arts — both conferred magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin.
Marissa B. Elder brings to the Marsai's Way Foundation Board a rare combination of legal excellence, institutional leadership, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting communities.
