Elaine Welteroth

Elaine Marie Welteroth, born on December 10, 1986, in Newark, California, is a distinguished American journalist, editor, author, and television host. She graduated from Sacramento State University in 2007 with a degree in mass communication/media studies and a minor in journalism, making her the first in her family to achieve a college degree. Welteroth’s career in media began with an unpaid internship at Ebony magazine, where her diligence led to a permanent position as the magazine’s Beauty & Style Editor from 2008 to 2011. This early experience laid the foundation for her rapid ascent in the publishing world, demonstrating her commitment and drive in a competitive industry. Her professional trajectory underscores her ability to identify opportunities and leverage them for significant career growth.

Welteroth joined Condé Nast in 2011, initially as the Beauty & Style editor for Glamour magazine. In October 2012, she became the Beauty & Health Director at Teen Vogue, a historic appointment as the first African-American to hold this role. Her leadership at Teen Vogue marked a significant turning point for the publication, as she expanded its focus beyond fashion and beauty to include politics, social justice, and cultural appropriation. Her efforts led to a notable increase in coverage of critical topics, particularly during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, encouraging civic engagement among young readers. This strategic shift revitalized the magazine, leading to a 535% increase in subscriptions year-over-year during her tenure and earning her recognition as Editor of the Year by Harlem’s Fashion Row in 2016.

In April 2016, Welteroth was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue at age 29, making her the second youngest editor in Condé Nast history and the second person of African-American heritage to hold such a title within the company’s 107-year history. Under her guidance, Teen Vogue launched its first YouTube channel, featuring diverse content, and she introduced guest editors like Rowan Blanchard and Yara Shahidi to further engage the audience. After her impactful tenure, Welteroth resigned from Teen Vogue in January 2018 and has since transitioned into television, becoming a judge on Project Runway in October 2018 and later a co-host on The Talk. Her memoir, “More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say),” became a New York Times bestseller in 2019. In December 2023, she launched birthFUND, a philanthropic initiative focused on increasing access to midwifery care for underserved communities, especially Black women, further demonstrating her commitment to equity and structural change.