Founder's Story
Founded in 2015 by Cheyenne Martin, Cheyenne Martin Foundation (CMF), is a recognized nonprofit organization serving underserved and underrepresented communities throughout the Los Angeles and Pittsburgh areas. Dedicated to impacting the lives of women disadvantaged by social or economic circumstances, CMF works locally and nationally to shine a light on women experiencing hardships. As advocates, we believe the basic human right for all people to have peace of mind, food to nourish their bodies and a safe place to sleep at night.
As the Executive Director of Cheyenne Martin Foundation, Martin, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was involved in community outreach at an early age. She was always giving of herself whether it was her avid volunteerism, financial and in-kind support or just sage advice, Cheyenne found joy in serving and giving to others.
Upon graduating from high school, Cheyenne set out to accomplish one of many goals on her “to do” list and relocated to Los Angeles to embark on her acting career. Martin found success early on in Hollywood. She began securing roles but desired to make more of an impact in the lives of others, which she achieved behind the lens. After honing her skills as a negotiator and deal maker as an agent’s assistant, Martin launched her own management agency, Cheyenne Martin
Management and film company, Emerald City Entertainment. While managing and guiding the careers of some of Hollywood’s burgeoning talent, Martin always found time to help others in need. For many years, she volunteered with the Los Angeles Mission and participated in their Thanksgiving and Easter drives and back-to-school giveaway events. She also was an active member with Hoops For Hope and coordinated their annual charity basketball games held at the STAPLES Center. Over the years, Martin was deeply committed to doing her part in supporting these organizations. At the same time, she saw a growing number of women and children in need and lacked the basic necessities for a decent quality of life, such as food, clothes or personal care items.
Since its founding, the Cheyenne Martin Foundation’s mission is to empower, inspire, and serve communities by combining philanthropy, mentorship, volunteerism, socializing and networking with women of diverse cultures and backgrounds. To date, CMF’s annual Easter, Back-to-School, Thanksgiving and Christmas drives has provided meals, school supplies and clothes for over 300 families in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Every year, CMF partners with various organizations, including the Downtown Women’s Center, which aims to eradicate homeless and poverty for women on Skid Row and the Bradley Center, which provides Los Angeles residents with free and low-cost services. In 2016, CMF prepared and served meals for 125 women luncheon in support of the Women’s Center annual summer luncheon. Martin called on her celebrity friends to participate and support women and families in need.
Cheyenne Martin Foundation is proud to support 109th Street Recreation Center in Watts, California and Downtown Women’s Center in Downtown LA’s Skid Row.
“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who will have her back and offer guidance, for they have already travelled the road.”