The world has lost a remarkable leader, journalist, and entrepreneur with the untimely passing of Charla Young, CEO of Power To Exhale, following a tragic car accident in Houston, Texas, on May 10, 2025. Charla’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who admired her resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to empowerment and uplifting others. Her legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals, especially the over 600,000 members of the Power To Exhale community, a global movement that Charla founded to empower individuals to embrace their true selves.

A Life of Resilience: From Mississippi to National Spotlight

Born in Amory, Mississippi, Charla Young’s journey to prominence was marked by both adversity and triumph. From a young age, Charla showed an inherent drive to make a difference, whether in her academic pursuits or in the way she connected with others. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism with minors in Spanish and English. This foundation would propel her into a media career that would see her rise to national acclaim.

Her early career began humbly, starting as a DJ at a local radio station. Charla’s magnetic personality, intelligence, and ability to connect with people on a personal level quickly caught the attention of industry professionals. Her breakthrough moment came when she covered a devastating plane crash, an event that would serve as a turning point in her career. Her professional handling of the tragedy garnered widespread praise, leading to her landing her own morning news show. This early success helped solidify her as a respected figure in broadcast journalism, and she soon became a household name.

Charla’s ability to convey the human experience, coupled with her sense of empathy, turned her into a journalist who wasn’t just reporting on the news but rather, deeply connecting with the stories she covered. Through her work, Charla was able to shed light on underrepresented communities and shed a voice on critical social issues, something that would continue to be a hallmark of her life’s work.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founding Power To Exhale

While her journalism career thrived, Charla’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed her to embark on an even more transformative journey—founding the movement Power To Exhale. What began as a modest Facebook group for empowerment evolved into a global community of over 600,000 women across five countries and more than 112 chapters. Power To Exhale was designed to help individuals, especially women, find strength and confidence by embracing their true selves and connecting with others who shared similar experiences.

Charla’s vision for Power To Exhale was rooted in the idea that everyone—regardless of their background, experiences, or past struggles—has the power to transform their lives. The group’s mission was not just to motivate, but to build real community connections that would foster lifelong growth and support.

This initiative quickly became more than just an online community; it became a movement—one that encouraged personal growth, self-love, and transformative action. Charla’s ability to create inclusive spaces was one of the cornerstones of her success. She used Power To Exhale as a platform for retreats, cruises, and summits that empowered people from all walks of life to come together to learn, grow, and support each other. Charla’s nurturing and genuine care for others were the driving forces behind this powerful community.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation: Power To Exhale Cruises

In addition to retreats and summits, Charla’s legacy also extended to the seas. In a groundbreaking partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Charla became the first Black woman to own a cruise experience, the Power To Exhale cruise. The cruise was a revolutionary event, blending entertainment with personal development in a way that had never been done before. This event brought together individuals seeking empowerment and inspiration through performances by legendary artists like Doug E. Fresh, Joe, The Isley Brothers, Method Man, and Redman.

The Power To Exhale cruise allowed attendees to experience a week of transformation, blending fun, relaxation, and personal development into an unforgettable experience. Charla’s vision of mixing entertainment with education created a unique environment where individuals could reconnect with themselves, explore new ideas, and leave with newfound inspiration.

The 2024 cruise was a monumental success and showcased Charla’s ability to think beyond the traditional. Her foresight in creating an event that combined entertainment, self-care, and empowerment further solidified her as an industry trailblazer, someone who knew how to blend business acumen with genuine care for people’s well-being.

A Passion for Mental Health: Charla’s Dedication to Healing and Support

Throughout her career, Charla was deeply committed to supporting mental health. Her personal experiences with mental health challenges, both hers and those of her loved ones, inspired her advocacy. She used her platform not just for empowerment but to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support, particularly in underrepresented communities. Through Power To Exhale, Charla encouraged conversations around mental health, fostering a safe environment where individuals could seek help and share their struggles without fear of judgment.

Her work as a mental health advocate went beyond words; she actively sought partnerships with organizations dedicated to providing therapy, counseling, and resources for individuals in need. Whether through speaking engagements, collaborations, or simply offering support to her community, Charla was relentless in her mission to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that people knew they were not alone.

Charla’s ability to open up about her own mental health struggles and speak candidly about the importance of seeking help encouraged others to do the same. She showed the world that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a strength, and it is only by embracing our vulnerabilities that we can truly heal and grow.

Community Impact: A Loving Leader and Role Model

As a leader, Charla’s impact reached far beyond her work in the entertainment and wellness industries. She became a mentor, role model, and guide for countless individuals. Her dedication to her work, her passion for helping others, and her ability to empathize with people’s struggles created an undeniable legacy. Charla’s voice was one of hope, inspiration, and compassion—qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Family and friends described Charla as someone who could light up a room with her infectious energy and positive outlook. She was a woman who lived with intention, making a difference in the lives of others wherever she went. Her legacy is a testament to the power of empathy, the importance of self-love, and the transformative impact that one person can have on the world.

The Tragic Loss: Charla’s Passing and the Legacy She Leaves Behind

The tragic news of Charla Young’s sudden death on May 10, 2025, has sent shockwaves throughout the communities she built and impacted. Her passing is a devastating loss, not just for her family and friends, but for the countless individuals who found strength and guidance through her work.

In the wake of her death, tributes have poured in from her colleagues, friends, and community members who have been deeply touched by her kindness, dedication, and generosity. Many have shared personal stories of how Charla helped them overcome their own challenges, offering support, encouragement, and love when they needed it most.

Though Charla’s physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the Power To Exhale movement, in the lives she touched, and in the lessons she imparted. Her commitment to making the world a better place through love, support, and empowerment will continue to inspire future generations.

Honoring Charla’s Memory: Plans for Memorial and Legacy Continuation

Plans to honor Charla’s life and legacy are already underway. Her family, colleagues, and members of the Power To Exhale community are collaborating to ensure that her contributions continue to benefit others long after her passing. A memorial service will be organized to celebrate her life, and her family has expressed their intention to keep the Power To Exhale movement alive through continued events and initiatives that reflect Charla’s values and vision.

Her sudden passing serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care, mental health support, and the need to stay connected to our communities during times of hardship. As Charla once said, “We fight with you. And our God is stronger than this battle.” These words, now etched in the memories of those who knew her, will continue to inspire people to fight for their well-being, their dreams, and their lives.

Conclusion: A Light That Will Never Fade

The passing of Charla Young is a profound loss that will be felt by many for years to come. Yet, her spirit, her passion, and her mission to empower others will continue to shine brightly. Charla’s legacy will live on through the Power To Exhale community and the countless lives she impacted.

As we mourn the loss of Charla, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived, the groundbreaking work she accomplished, and the positive change she brought to the world. Charla Young may be gone, but her legacy of empowerment, compassion, and love will remain forever in our hearts.