Building Power To Exhale

Power To Exhale was Charla’s passion project and one of the most impactful parts of her life’s work. What began as a small initiative to provide mental health resources for women quickly expanded into a nationwide movement. Under her leadership, the organization provided counseling, workshops, and wellness retreats focused on self-care, mindfulness, and resilience. Charla believed deeply in the power of community and the importance of safe spaces where women could come together to share experiences, support each other, and grow.

Power To Exhale also emphasized the critical need for conversations around mental health to be normalized. Charla worked tirelessly to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness, believing that breaking the silence was key to healing. Her voice became one of the most respected in the mental health advocacy space, and she was a frequent speaker at conferences, events, and in media outlets where she used her platform to elevate the conversation around wellness and mental health.

A Visionary Leader

Charla’s leadership was characterized by her authenticity, compassion, and determination. She saw potential in everyone she met and encouraged others to believe in themselves. Her colleagues and employees at Power To Exhale have spoken of her leadership style with admiration, highlighting her openness, empathy, and relentless drive to create a positive impact. “Charla didn’t just lead; she uplifted,” said one of her closest colleagues. “She had a way of making you feel like your voice mattered, and that was the magic of her leadership.”

Her work was not just about mental health but about holistic empowerment—giving women the tools they needed to lead successful, fulfilling lives, both personally and professionally. Charla understood that true empowerment comes when individuals are nurtured not only in their professional goals but in their emotional well-being as well.

Personal Life and Family

Though Charla’s professional accomplishments were remarkable, she was also deeply loved by her family and friends. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, and friend, known for her warmth, humor, and loyalty. Those who knew Charla on a personal level remember her as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or simply listen when someone needed to talk.

Charla is survived by her loving parents, Michael and Denise Young, her younger brother, Tyler, and a host of extended family members and close friends. She was also the proud aunt of three nieces, whom she adored and often spent time with. The impact of her sudden passing has been deeply felt by her family, who described her as the heart and soul of their family unit.

Her parents, in a statement released after her death, expressed their profound grief: “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.”

Tributes and Impact

Since Charla’s passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the world. Individuals who were impacted by her work with Power To Exhale have shared their heartfelt stories of how Charla’s guidance and mentorship helped them overcome personal challenges, rediscover their strength, and transform their lives. The hashtag #PowerToExhaleForever has trended on social media, with people sharing memories, photos, and messages of support to Charla’s family.

Her colleagues in the nonprofit sector have also spoken out, noting that Charla was an inspiration to them and many others. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to social good served as a model for how organizations can serve their communities with integrity and care.

“Charla Young was the embodiment of grace, strength, and perseverance,” said another close associate. “Her loss is felt by all of us who worked alongside her. But we will continue to carry her vision forward. Her work is far from over.”

The Tragic Accident

The news of Charla’s tragic accident has left the entire community in shock. On May 10, 2025, Charla was involved in a car crash while traveling in Houston. She was rushed to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to determine the cause.

While the news of her passing has been met with immense grief, it has also served as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the impact that one individual can have on so many others. Charla’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and the unwavering belief that each person has the potential to change the world.

Charla’s Legacy

In honor of Charla’s memory, her family, friends, and colleagues have vowed to continue the work she began with Power To Exhale. Charla’s vision of mental wellness and empowerment will remain at the forefront of the organization’s efforts, and her work will continue to inspire future generations of women to lead empowered, fulfilled lives.

Plans are also underway for a memorial fund in Charla’s name, which will provide scholarships to women seeking to enter the mental health and wellness fields, as well as support for the ongoing work of Power To Exhale. A memorial service will be held in Houston to celebrate her life, and details of the service will be made available to the public.

Conclusion

Charla Young may no longer walk among us, but her impact on the world will not fade. Her legacy will endure in the countless individuals she helped, the lives she transformed, and the movement she created. As the world mourns her tragic loss, we also celebrate the life of a visionary leader whose heart was as big as her dreams.

Her family, friends, colleagues, and the thousands of women whose lives she changed will carry forward the lessons she taught: to live with purpose, to empower others, and to always strive for a world where everyone can breathe freely, knowing they have the power to exhale.

Rest in peace, Charla. You will never be forgotten.

This obituary honors Charla’s memory while acknowledging the impact she had on so many lives. If you would like to add or alter any details, feel free to let me know.