Elaine Welteroth has done a masterful job at illuminating #BlackGirlMagic. Last year, at just 29-years-old, she was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, making her the youngest person to be appointed as an editor-in-chief in the history of Condé Nast—the umbrella company that publishes Teen Vogue in addition to housing 19 other major brands. The California native is also the second African American to ever hold this title since Condé Nast was founded in 1909.
In addition to making history (literally), the 30-year-old writer got engaged last December, proving that love and business can coexist for young, ambitious woman climbing the corporate ladder.
Like many millennials, Welteroth shares glimpses of her personal and professional life triumphs on different social media platforms. On Instagram, where she boasts over 88,000 followers, she also serves as an inspirational virtual mentor and real-life personification of #LifeGoals for 20-somethings across the nation.
From her fashion sense, to her career highlights, and the adorable pics with her fiancé, here are five times Welteroth’s Instagram posts have made us say, “Yaaasss girl—you did that!”
1. Teen Vogue‘s Epic Willow Smith Cover
Welteroth posted this epic Teen Vogue cover featuring Willow Smith in May 2016, which is also when she was promoted from Beauty & Heath editor to editor-in-chief at the magazine. Since taking over, she has been responsible for expanding the publication’s coverage of political news and social justice.
She’s finally here! And she’s absolutely perfect. @teenvogue May cover girl @willowsmith is literally the coolest girl in the universe. And so is this cover!! Hair, makeup, styling, set, art direction, photography all out of this world–and ALL FEMALE LED. Shot by @emmasummerton Styled by @ondineazouley Hair by @lacyredway Makeup by @lotstar Art Direction by @marie_suter
A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on Apr 12, 2016 at 6:35am PDT
2. Elaine on The Daily Show
Earlier this month, Welteroth appeared on The Daily Show, hosted by Trevor Noah. She and Teen Vogue Digital Editorial Director Phillip Picardi spoke with Noah about the new direction of the magazine, and the role that current events and politics play in the lives of teenagers.
About last night...@thedailyshow?! Still pinching myself. I am such a HUGE fan of @trevornoah 's witty take on political news. I never imagined that one day we would have the opportunity to see @teenvogue at the table talking about the importance of including young women in that conversation. Enormously grateful! Yet, as thrilled as we are for the recognition, this is so much bigger than Teen Vogue. This is a testament to the power of young voices. I hope that our evolution is only a reminder to reframe how we think and talk about young women and what they are capable of. In these uncertain times, when alternative facts are fueling political conversations, it has never been more important to talk to your daughters and the young people in your life about what's going on in the world. Ask for their opinions and hear them out. Their voices matter, and their vision is our future.
A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on
Feb 14, 2017 at 5:40am PST
3. Elaine Advocating for Women’s Rights
As an ambassador for women’s rights, Welteroth documented her participation in the Women’s March on Washington earlier this year, with this empowering post.
"Sometimes we must put our bodies where our beliefs are." - @gloriasteinem #womensmarchonwashington
A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on
Jan 21, 2017 at 1:16pm PST
4. Elaine Getting Personal
Welteroth hasn’t been shy about flaunting her relationship with fiancé Jonathan Singletary.
Thankful for this man. This smile. This joy. You are the kindest soul I’ve ever known and you make every single day so much better. #ThisIsUs❤️ by @davisfactor
A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on Nov 24, 2016 at 9:46am PST
The couple also shared details of their love story in a recent interview with the digital publication Man Repeller.
5. Elaine’s Chic Legacy
Before joining Teen Vogue, Welteroth worked as the Beauty & Style editor for Ebony magazine. This makes sense, since her personal style is on point—as evident in this photo, which she posted during New York Fashion Week.
Probably negotiating with @uber about why he shouldn’t leave me and then hit me with a $5 fee. #nyfw #firstworldproblems Magnificent furry coat by @marni @theoutnet
A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on Feb 17, 2017 at 5:09am PST
Elaine Welteroth is one of the featured speakers at Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit. Get your ticket to attend today!
Selena Hill is the Associate Digital Editor at Black Enterprise and the founder of Let Your Voice Be Heard! Radio. You can hear her and her team talk millennial politics and social issues every Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.