SCHERIE MURRAY — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Scherie Murray was born in Jamaica, West Indies and came to New York City with her family when she was nine years old. Growing up in Queens, Scherie learned early on about the importance of hard work, the value of a good education, and the strength of a united community. 

Scherie was very active in her community at a young age, serving as the captain of the gymnastics team and graduating with an outstanding community service award from Law, Government and Community Service Magnet H.S. She also worked as a Systems Analyst for NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority summer internship program. Scherie is a CUNY alumna where she was the senior editor for the college newspaper, The New Tech Times, and graduated with degrees in the field of Micro Computer Business Systems and Broadcast Journalism.

In 2004, Scherie, a young entrepreneur, founded The Esemel Group Inc. (TEG); a Television Production and Advertising Company with a mission to create jobs in the New York City Tri-State area for minorities in media. Her work with TEG opened the doors for many minorities in her community.

In 2017, Scherie formed the New York State Caribbean Commission on H.R. 4939 (United States – Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016). The New York State Caribbean Commission, in partnership with the Institute of Caribbean Studies’ (ICS), wrote and submitted a companion report of policy recommendations on behalf of H.R. 4939; which was added, in part, to the framework outlined by the U.S. Department of State and USAID in coordination with other executive branch agencies submitted to the White House in July 2017.

Scherie is a mother who lends her time to important issues impacting her community to make it a better place for her children and all children. She is a proud advocate for youth, veterans, small businesses, economic development, and infrastructure. Scherie promotes school choice for parents and believes in strengthening community-police relations with common-sense solutions. Scherie is living proof that the American dream is real. Today she wants to make sure that the American Dream is alive and thriving for others.