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.
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.
