Our Story
Marsai Chari Murry was a radiant, gifted 17-year-old student at Hightower High School whose presence left people better than she found them. She was known for her kindness, intelligence, and the rare ability to make everyone around her feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. Marsai Chari carried a huge heart and a beautiful spirit. One that drew people in and created community wherever she went.
Though her life ended on November 8, 2003, her impact did not. Her life continues to speak through love, resilience, and the belief that young women deserve protection, joy, and the freedom to dream.
Marsai Martin, founder of Marsai’s Way Foundation, was lovingly named in honor of her cousin, Marsai Chari Murry. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in family legacy, transforming love into leadership, grief into purpose, and remembrance into action.
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
When it comes to strategic development and execution, Carol Martin is a force to be reckoned with. A powerhouse in business and leadership, she has an unmatched ability to transform ideas into thriving enterprises.
Growing up surrounded by uncles and cousins in the music industry, Carol developed a keen understanding of entertainment and business from an early age. She carried this expertise into corporate America, where she consistently excelled, climbing the ranks with determination and vision. Recognizing the power of collaboration, she and her husband, Joshua Martin, combined their skills to build a lasting legacy one that is exemplified by their daughter, Marsai Martin.
As co-founder of GeniusProductions, alongside her husband and daughter, Carol plays a vital role in shaping innovative storytelling and groundbreaking content. Together, they have built a production powerhouse that champions fresh narratives and diverse perspectives.
Beyond her business acumen, Carol is a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment. She listens to their passions, helps them put their dreams on paper, and pushes them to take action. She believes in lighting a fire under women encouraging them to ask for what they want, step boldly into new opportunities, and never let fear hold them back. Carol has inspired countless women to start their own businesses, break free from corporate America, and step into entrepreneurship with a clear plan and confidence.
Carol is a dealmaker who commands the boardroom. When it comes to contract negotiations, she’s no stranger to numbers. She knows how to stand her ground, navigate the fine print, and go toe-to-toe with the “good old boys” to ensure that her family and business get exactly what they deserve.
Beyond business and mentorship, Carol’s heart is in giving. She quietly and anonymously donates to foundations that support women and children, ensuring that those in need receive resources without fanfare or recognition. Additionally, giving to seniors is deeply personal to her she believes in providing quality care and support to elders who have paved the way for future generations.
As self-made millionaires, the Martin family has a proven track record of success, wealth-building, and generational impact. Carol’s leadership in Marsai’s Way Foundation reflects her deep commitment to creating lasting change, empowering young people, and ensuring that success is not just achieved but sustained for generations.
Carol Martin is more than a businesswoman she is a visionary, a motivator, a philanthropist, and a powerhouse who refuses to back down. Whether she’s negotiating major deals, mentoring women, or giving back to the community, she is dedicated to building legacies that last.
I hope that we always have diversity, that we have equality and representation every step of the way.
- Marsai Martin
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.