Message from the Founder

“Welcome! I’m Chynelle Murray, mom, wife, aviation enthusiast, lover of space. Thank you for taking time to visit the site. Scarlett Skies Initiative is a 501(c)(3) 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, and to my husbands encouragement and support, it came to fruition years later.

Growing up I had experienced 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. 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, 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. But nothing in life would be as painful or traumatic 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 several 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 underprivileged 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 represents such a very small percentage of females.

Scarlett Skies Initiative serves various purposes:

• Providing educational outreach and opportunities to underprivileged youth and women, expanding their knowledge of aviation and aerospace.
• Awarding Discovery Flights to high school students, as well as aviation/aerospace related scholarships and testing/supply fees.
• Awarding Discovery Flights and scholarships to women experiencing adversity, whom have interest in pursuing training/education in aviation and aerospace related fields. As well as assistance covering testing and supply fees for those related pursuits.



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

Scarlett Skies

I see you in the beauty of a delicate butterfly, perched upon southern flora,
And as gloomy days turn brighter, the sight of a rainbow exuding its joyful aura.
I hear you in the laughter of your playful little brothers,
And as cool winds blow on those hot humid summers.
Though nothing compares to when I feel you, like at your special place near the ocean,
Leaving you pretty flowers, sitting with heavy emotions.
I feel you when I witness, those crimson painted skies,
As day and night exchange brief hello’s, then a lingering goodbye.
Glorious and captivating, watching the hues blend and glow,
Scarlett skies offering a reminder, of the beauty you’ve brought my soul.