Charla Young Car Accident; Remembering the Visionary CEO of Power To Exhale, Charla Young, Who Tragically Lost Her Life in a Car Accident
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.
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.
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.
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.
