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Introducing the Inaugural Board of Directors of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation

The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation was born from a conviction: that Black LGBTQ+ brilliance should not only be honored, but invested in. That conviction is now being stewarded by a remarkable group of leaders who bring experience, insight, and a deep sense of purpose to the work ahead.

Today, we are honored to introduce the inaugural Board of Directors of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation. These individuals have committed to shaping the future of this organization with integrity, care, and a shared belief in the transformative power of visibility, legacy, and community. They reflect the values of the Foundation itself—liberation, leadership, and love for our people.

Meet The Board

Our Board includes visionary organizers, educators, artists, strategists, and advocates who collectively guide PMAF’s direction and accountability.

• Cory L. Scott (Chair & Founding Executive Director) — Author, activist, and founder of PMAF.
• Nyron M. Rouse (Vice Chair) — Strategic funding expert and nonprofit leader.
• Jarrell D. Johnson (Treasurer) — National engineering leader, with extensive financial leadership and nonprofit governance experience.
• Karyden Roberts (Secretary) — Artist and cultural worker focused on consent and sovereignty.
• Faith Rogers — Former federal executive, with expert focus on operations, strategy, and culture-building.
• Christopher N. Smith — Strategist, statistician, educator.
• Jon Pierre — Creative director and media entrepreneur.
• Aaron Marcellus — Vocalist, performer, and culture-builder.
• Darnell Riley — Educator and equity-focused curriculum developer.

Our Commitment

We are building a foundation that centers legacy, liberation, visibility, and community. That means resourcing honorees, cultivating mentorship, and sustaining programs that make tangible impact—year after year.

Our work lifts up Black LGBTQ+ leaders who are shaping culture, scholarship, public service, spirituality, health, and innovation. In partnership with donors and collaborators, we are creating a durable platform where excellence is celebrated and futures are funded.

What's Next

Applications for the Pauli Murray Awards open March 1, with honorees announced in July. The inaugural ceremony will be held on October 11, 2026—National Coming Out Day.

In the months ahead, we’ll share program updates, cohort plans, and opportunities to support our honorees. If our mission resonates with you, we invite you to get involved: amplify, nominate, volunteer, and give.

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