“Welcome! I’m Chynelle Murray, mom, wife, educator, aviation enthusiast, lover of space. Thank you for taking time to visit the site! Scarlett Skies Initiative is a nonprofit organization established in memory of my daughter Scarlett.

Sometime after I began my aviation journey and the birth of my second son, I dreamt up the idea of wanting to combine my love of aviation, with the desire to create something meaningful in honor of Scarlett. Thanks to never giving up on that dream, an encouraging husband and an eagerness to uplift the aspirations of others pursing the industry, it came to fruition years later. 

Growing up, I endured an abundance of hardship and adversity. Being raised by a single mom who had to work extra hard to provide for my brother and me, just to barely get by at times. Our living situations never quite ideal, with a lot of moving and uncertainty. She did the best she could with what she had, and loved us fiercely. For that, I am immensely thankful. As a mother now, I admire her even more for her hard work and sacrifices to provide, especially considering her lack of support and resources. Although, due to various unfortunate hardships, before I knew it, I’d attended three different high schools in three different states. Homelessness happened, and things got really difficult. Suddenly, at 16, I was in a position in which I had to work instead of continuing my education. As someone who did well in school  and had a profound passion for learning, this was painful. Though nothing in life would be as painful or life changing than the loss of my own baby girl, many years later in April of 2014.

My transparency brings me to the purpose of this organization. I’ve both worked for and volunteered with many amazing nonprofits over the years, but I wanted to contribute to something in my own personal way. I understand the importance of education and support for disadvantaged youth. I also understand what it is to be a woman who has faced struggle after struggle in life, while pursuing dreams in an industry that’s not only costly, but often lacks representation and support for females.

This is why founding an organization like Scarlett Skies Initiative was so important to someone like me. To create a foundation of support that offers financial assistance through related scholarships and awards that help with the cost of tuition, training, testing and supply fees. With another significant layer of support involving educational opportunities and insightful outreach experiences, that serve to empower and inspire.

The heart of this organization was built in remembrance of my baby girl, in honor of the younger versions of myself, and in cognizance of those who have endured their own hardships, lacked opportunities to thrive, but kept their eyes on the sky anyways.”