It is with immense sorrow that we report the sudden and tragic passing of Charla Young, the visionary CEO of Power To Exhale, who lost her life in a devastating car accident in Houston, Texas, on May 10, 2025. Charla, who was just 42 years old, was a trailblazer in the fields of mental health advocacy and women’s empowerment. Her death has left a profound hole in the hearts of those who knew her, particularly her family, friends, colleagues, and the many women whose lives were touched by her tireless work.
Charla was a pioneer in the fight for mental wellness and personal empowerment, and her legacy will live on through the countless people she helped and inspired during her lifetime. Her organization, Power To Exhale, was a space where women found solace, strength, and empowerment. Charla’s sudden departure has sent shockwaves throughout her community, and the ripple effects of her loss are being felt far and wide.
Born on November 15, 1982, in Houston, Charla was raised in a supportive and loving environment that fostered her passion for helping others. From an early age, she displayed an intense drive to make a positive difference in the world. Her educational journey took her to the University of Texas, where she earned degrees in psychology and business administration. These studies laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career dedicated to mental health and wellness advocacy.
Charla’s passion for mental health advocacy was deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of individuals in her community who faced mental health challenges. This experience fueled her determination to make a difference. It was from this place of empathy and understanding that she founded Power To Exhale, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, support, and a safe space for women navigating the complexities of mental health and personal empowerment.
Power To Exhale quickly became one of the most influential mental health organizations for women, offering a range of programs, including counseling, wellness retreats, mindfulness workshops, and personal empowerment initiatives. Charla’s vision for the organization was simple yet powerful: create a community where women could come together, find support, share experiences, and heal. She knew that mental health was not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be openly discussed and addressed. Under her leadership, Power To Exhale grew into a national movement, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing countless women with the tools they needed to heal and thrive.
Charla’s leadership was a testament to her authenticity, compassion, and commitment to the cause. She believed in the potential of everyone she met, and she worked tirelessly to inspire others to believe in themselves. Her colleagues at Power To Exhale have spoken of her leadership style with admiration, noting her ability to empower others with warmth and empathy. “Charla didn’t just lead; she uplifted,” one colleague shared. “Her spirit was infectious. She made everyone feel like their voice mattered, and that’s what made her a truly exceptional leader.”
Her work was not just about mental health; it was about holistic empowerment—helping women to thrive not only in their professional lives but in their personal well-being as well. Charla was deeply invested in the emotional and mental well-being of every individual, understanding that true empowerment comes from nurturing the whole person. She inspired women to take care of their mental health just as much as they took care of their physical health, knowing that true success and fulfillment stemmed from balance and self-compassion.
While Charla’s professional accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary, she was also a deeply devoted family member and friend. She was known for her unwavering support, kindness, and generosity. Charla was the heart of her family, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or simply listen when someone needed it. Her family described her as the glue that held them together. Her parents, Michael and Denise Young, and her younger brother, Tyler, are mourning the loss of a woman who brought immense joy and love to their lives.
Charla’s parents shared in a statement, “Charla was a light in all our lives. Her passion for helping others, her love for her family, and her unwavering belief in the power of change made her a force for good in the world. While we are devastated by her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she lived her life with purpose, and that her legacy will continue through the lives she changed.”
Since news of Charla’s tragic accident broke, tributes have flooded in from all corners of the world. Many have shared stories of how Charla’s guidance and mentorship helped them overcome personal struggles, rediscover their strength, and transform their lives. The hashtag #PowerToExhaleForever has become a symbol of the deep impact Charla had on so many lives. Through social media posts, individuals have expressed their gratitude for Charla’s work and her profound influence on their mental wellness journeys.
Colleagues from the nonprofit sector have also praised Charla’s leadership and dedication. They noted that Charla was a role model for others in her field, demonstrating how organizations can make a meaningful impact through compassion and care. “Charla Young was the embodiment of grace, strength, and perseverance,” one associate remarked. “Her work has inspired so many of us. While her loss is deeply felt, we will continue her mission, and her legacy will live on through all of us.”
Charla’s sudden passing has also reminded everyone of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on so many others. On May 10, 2025, Charla was involved in a car accident while traveling in Houston. She was quickly rushed to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, she succumbed to her injuries. The details surrounding the accident are still under investigation, but Charla’s death has left an undeniable void in the lives of those who knew her.
Charla’s passing is not just a personal loss for her family and friends, but for the entire mental health and wellness community. Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of women and to change the conversation around mental health will not be forgotten. Charla’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and empowerment, and her work will continue to inspire future generations of women.
In tribute to Charla’s memory, her family and colleagues are working to establish a memorial fund in her name. The fund will provide scholarships for women pursuing careers in mental health and wellness, ensuring that Charla’s work continues to make a difference for years to come. A memorial service will also be held in Houston to honor Charla’s life, with details to be shared publicly.
As we mourn the loss of Charla Young, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Charla’s dedication to improving the lives of others, her passion for mental health advocacy, and her unwavering belief in the power of personal empowerment will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on through the countless individuals whose lives were touched by her work, her kindness, and her extraordinary vision for a world where women can thrive, breathe freely, and empower one another.
Rest in peace, Charla. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Your vision will continue to inspire and empower for generations to come.
