Multitalented teenage prodigy Marsai Martin discusses her partnership with Invisalign and the debut of their new ChangeMakers program.
A successful actress and producer, Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the popular ABC sitcom Black-ish. In 2019, she also starred in and produced the comedy film Little alongside Issa Rae. This role made her the youngest person ever to produce a movie. Martin has since added philanthropy to her long list of achievements. A vocal advocate for Invisalign, Martin has now partnered with them to introduce the Invisalign ChangeMakers program. The program is partnering with 4-H, America’s largest youth development organization, to recognize the impact teens are making in their communities. About 100 winners shall be chosen and gifted with a scholarship award for their hard work.
The Knockturnal: What made you want to partner with Invisalign? What drew you to the ChangeMakers program in particular?
Marsai Martin: I’ve always loved Invisalign. I’ve worn their stuff for a couple of years now, and they’ve just made me so comfortable not only in my smile but also in overall confidence and how I present myself. Every public figure wants to be confident in presenting themselves and being their best self whenever they meet somebody. Invisalign has been a big part of that in my life. Getting to work with them has been such an incredible experience; and a dream of mine. They’ve helped me so much, and I’m happy to help them with anything they need.
The Knockturnal: I know there are probably many charities and organizations out there vying for celebrity endorsement. What do you feel Invisalign does particularly well?
Marsai Martin: I would say that the audience they gravitate towards is my age group. It’s primarily teens. At this age, it’s a really core time where you’re trying to find yourself and figure out who you are. Invisalign helps create change-makers, and they highlight the kids in the world who are helping in their communities. I’m so grateful that we’re able to work together to ensure that we put a smile on everyone’s face. That applies to me as well. What I do as an actor and entertainer are bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
The Knockturnal: What in particular inspired this project? Was this something that Invisalign approached you with, or did you get to work collaboratively with them?
Marsai Martin: It was a collaborative thing. We’ve been working on it for a couple of months now. I’ve always wanted to do something with kids and create change-makers, which is what Invisalign is also known for. We had a Zoom meeting to discuss, and we just wanted to make it happen. We recognize one-hundred teens from ages thirteen to nineteen, and we’re awarding them $5,000 for the fantastic work they’ve done for themselves and their communities. We want to recognize all the hard work they’ve put in at such a young age. It’s an event that will happen on July 10 at 5 p.m. PST. We’re very excited, and I cannot wait to present it to everyone.
The Knockturnal: If this is a project that you’re hoping to extend out into the long-term, what are you hoping to achieve in the short term compared to the long-term?
Marsai Martin: Short-term-wise, I’ve always been an advocate for kids and teens my age. I wanted to help in any way. When Invisalign reached out, this is something I can do and aim for. Hopefully, the short-term will become long-term eventually. It’s always been a dream of mine to give back.
The Knockturnal: You are such a talent who has accomplished so much at a young age. You wear several professional hats. Without giving anything away, are there any upcoming projects you’d like to tease?
Marsai Martin: There are so many things happening! I’m on set right now filming a show that’s going to be on Discovery+. One of my passions has always been interior design. So, I’m helping kids that have done amazing things in their communities to redecorate and design their dream rooms. It’s always been one of my favorite things growing up to watch those dream makeover shows. So, having one of my own is truly a dream come true. Putting a smile on kids’ faces has been amazing. That will come out early next year. We also have Amari and the Night Brothers with Universal. The book is out now. We have Stepmonster, which we will be filming soon, also with Universal. We have Paw Patrol coming on August 20. I cannot wait to see my sister’s reaction. We also have many different things that we’re filming away from the television and film world. I’m a very busy person right now! There are a lot of things happening that I can’t wait for everyone to see!
