It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Founder and President, Charla Young, who left us suddenly on May 10, 2025, at the age of 52. Her passing has left a void that words can scarcely fill, and our hearts are heavy as we try to grasp the magnitude of this loss—not only to us, but to the countless lives she touched across the globe.

Charla Young was more than a visionary leader; she was a beacon of light, strength, and resilience. She lived with purpose and led with passion, pouring her heart into every endeavor she undertook. Through Power to Exhale—a movement she birthed with unstoppable energy and unwavering conviction—Charla built a sanctuary for women to rediscover themselves, to breathe freely, to dream boldly, and to live authentically. What began as a small idea quickly blossomed into an international sisterhood under her guidance, reaching thousands of women from all walks of life.

Charla’s work was rooted in love. She believed in the power of women uplifting women and fought tirelessly to create spaces that were safe, empowering, and transformational. Her ability to connect, inspire, and lead came from a deep well of empathy and a fierce commitment to service. Whether it was through retreats, conferences, mentoring, or one-on-one conversations, Charla gave freely of herself—her time, her wisdom, her love.

But Charla’s brilliance was not confined to boardrooms or event stages. She brought the same fire and compassion to her personal relationships. She was a daughter, a sister, a mentor, a friend. Her laugh was contagious, her presence electric, her heart boundless. She had the rare ability to make everyone she met feel seen, heard, and valued. To know Charla was to experience grace in motion, and to be loved by her was a gift beyond measure.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Charla was a woman of faith, a seeker of truth, and a firm believer in the extraordinary power of ordinary people. She often reminded us that every breath is a blessing, every moment a chance to live fully and fearlessly. Her life was her message—a living, breathing example of what it means to rise above, to lead with purpose, and to leave the world better than you found it.

While we mourn her physical absence, we remain uplifted by her legacy—a legacy that lives on in every empowered woman, in every courageous decision, in every community that dares to dream. Power to Exhale will continue to stand, grow, and thrive in her honor, guided by the principles she instilled and the light she ignited.

To our dear Charla: You were the heartbeat of a movement, the soul of a sisterhood, and the embodiment of purpose-driven living. Your impact is eternal, and your memory will forever inspire us to breathe deeper, live bolder, and love harder.

Rest well, beloved. We will carry your torch forward with pride, with strength, and with all the love you gave so generously.