For Marsai Martin, the launch of Marsai’s Way Foundation was also a homecoming. The award-winning actress and producer, who grew up in the Dallas area, held the foundation’s inaugural charity luncheon, The Blueprint, Thursday, Sept. 24, at The Carlisle Room in Dallas.

The event brought community leaders, corporate partners, philanthropists, educators and creatives together around a central question: What does it take to give young people the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and build lasting legacies?

Marsai Martin is joined by luncheon emcee DeDe McGuire and Swan Lee of Swan7 Productions, which produced The Blueprint, Marsai’s Way Foundation’s inaugural charity luncheon in Dallas on Sept. 24. Photo credit: Chris Cavanaugh

Martin founded Marsai’s Way Foundation to help answer that question through education, mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy, health and wellness, creative expression, career development and entrepreneurship. Its work is guided by four pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Leadership and Legacy.

Marsai Martin, in blue, speaks at The Blueprint, her foundation’s inaugural charity luncheon in Dallas, alongside Marsai’s Way Foundation Board Chair Debra Nixon-Bowles. Photo credit: Steven Hill

Radio personality DeDe McGuire hosted the luncheon, which was produced by Swan7 Productions. T.R.A.P. Opera Star Madelyn Brené performed for guests. Among the notable people in attendance were Sarah Jakes Roberts, Tammy Franklin, CURLS founder Mahisha Dellinger, Judge Shequita Kelly, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Judge Cheryl Williams.

Foundation board member Debra Nixon-Bowles played an instrumental role in bringing The Blueprint to life. She helped bring community leaders, corporate partners, sponsors and supporters together around the foundation’s mission, shaping an inaugural event intended to build relationships and support for its future work.

T.R.A.P. Opera Star Madelyn Brené performs at The Blueprint, Marsai’s Way Foundation’s inaugural charity luncheon in Dallas. Photo: Steven Hill

Her role reflected a larger aim of the luncheon: connecting people who can help turn the foundation’s vision into opportunities for young people. From educational support and mentorship to career development and entrepreneurship, Marsai’s Way Foundation is seeking partners who can help young people gain access to resources and relationships that may otherwise be out of reach.

“This luncheon represents our commitment to investing in young people, expanding opportunities, and giving them the resources and encouragement they need to lead, create, and build their own legacies,” Martin said in a statement announcing the event.

Marsai Martin, second from right, poses with Sarah Jakes Roberts, second from left, and guests at The Blueprint, Marsai’s Way Foundation’s inaugural charity luncheon. Photo credit: Steven Hill

Holding the inaugural gathering in Dallas gave that commitment a personal dimension. Martin’s path from North Texas to a career in entertainment showed what can happen when a young person’s talent meets encouragement and opportunity. Through Marsai’s Way Foundation, she is working to help more young people imagine and pursue paths of their own.

Learn more about the foundation at marsaisway.org