The Houston community, and women across the nation, are mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Charla Young, the beloved Founder and CEO of Power To Exhale. Charla tragically passed away in a car accident, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment, sisterhood, and boundless inspiration. Her unexpected death has shaken all who knew her, worked alongside her, or were touched by her message of strength, faith, and unity.
Charla Young was a visionary, a powerful speaker, and a beacon of light to women everywhere. She founded Power To Exhale as more than just a women’s empowerment organization—it became a movement. Under her leadership, it grew into an international sisterhood built on love, encouragement, self-care, and unshakeable support. Through retreats, conferences, virtual platforms, and everyday connections, Charla inspired thousands of women to live fully, breathe deeply, and boldly exhale the pain, fear, and limits life can impose.
Her mission was rooted in faith, hope, and joy. Charla had an uncanny ability to uplift everyone she met. Whether she was praying with a sister in need, organizing an event to bring women together, or simply laughing over lunch with friends, she made people feel seen, heard, and loved. Her heart was as big as her vision—and that vision changed lives.
Friends and family have taken to social media to express their deep grief and love. One emotional tribute read, “Rest in Heaven, Charla. You are such an inspiration—full of woman empowerment and positivity. A trailblazer who cared about us. Most of all, you were God’s child. A sweet soul who will TRULY be missed.” Others described her as their sister in Christ, their cheerleader, and their closest confidante.
One particularly heartfelt message recalled their final conversation, where Charla said simply, “Love ya.” That love now echoes across the many hearts she touched. Another friend wrote, “She impacted soooo many. She called Lee and me a POWER COUPLE. I’m grateful God let me tell her how much she meant to us while she was here.”
Charla’s loss is not only personal but profoundly felt throughout the Power To Exhale family. Her passion for helping women heal and grow formed the backbone of every initiative she launched. She reminded everyone to live in their purpose, speak life into others, and walk in divine confidence. She didn’t just build a community—she built a family.
Despite the pain of this tragedy, those who knew Charla cling to the comfort of her faith and the peace of knowing she is now in the arms of her Creator. As one mourner wrote, “God is in control.” There is solace in knowing that even in death, Charla’s spirit will continue to guide and empower.
Plans for a memorial service will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, the Power To Exhale community encourages everyone to honor Charla’s memory by loving boldly, speaking truth, and lifting one another up. Her mission does not end here—it lives on in every woman she inspired, in every heart she touched, and in every breath we take to remember the power of exhaling.
Charla Young’s legacy is one of resilience, radiance, and remarkable love. She was a light in this world, and though she is gone, her light will never be extinguished. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her life continue to inspire women to stand tall, love harder, and always exhale.
