Elaine Welteroth‘s journey from a Newark, California native to a transformative force in media exemplifies perseverance and innovation. After graduating from Sacramento State University in 2007 with a mass communications degree, she demonstrated remarkable determination during her internship at Ogilvy & Mather. Her relentless pursuit of opportunity led to an unpaid internship at Ebony magazine, setting the foundation for her groundbreaking career. This early experience shaped her understanding of the industry’s need for diverse voices and perspectives, ultimately influencing her future leadership approach.
Shattering glass ceilings
Welteroth’s ascent through the publishing ranks stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and vision. From her initial role as an assistant to Ebony’s editor-in-chief, she quickly progressed to Beauty & Style Editor. Her move to Condé Nast marked a pivotal moment, first at Glamour and then at Teen Vogue, where she made history as the first African American Beauty & Health Director. By 2016, at just 29 years old, she achieved another milestone as the second African American and second-youngest editor-in-chief in Condé Nast’s history, demonstrating that youth and diversity could coexist with editorial excellence.
Revolutionizing teen media
Under Welteroth’s leadership, Teen Vogue underwent a remarkable transformation that redefined youth-focused publications. She broadened the magazine’s scope beyond traditional fashion and beauty coverage to include substantive political and social justice content, particularly during the 2016 presidential election. Her innovative approach included incorporating celebrity guest editors like Yara Shahidi and Zendaya, while launching initiatives such as the Teen Vogue Book Club. The digital-first strategy she implemented proved revolutionary, successfully transitioning the publication to a digital-only model in 2017 while expanding its social media presence and tackling complex intercultural issues.
Expanding horizons
After departing Teen Vogue in 2018, Welteroth’s influence continued to grow across various media platforms. Her memoir, More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say), became a bestseller and earned a 2020 NAACP Image Award nomination. Her television career flourished with appearances on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” while her role as judge and associate producer on “Project Runway” showcased her expertise in fashion and media. The transition to co-host of “The Talk” in 2020 further demonstrated her versatility and appeal across different media formats.
Legacy and future impact
At 37, Welteroth’s influence on media and publishing continues to resonate. Her commitment to inclusive storytelling and representation has created lasting change in how publications approach diversity and social issues. As traditional media evolves in the digital age, her innovative approaches serve as a blueprint for future leaders. Her success story inspires a new generation of media professionals, proving that authentic leadership and bold vision can transform established institutions while creating space for new voices and perspectives.
