Dreams, Education, and My Iconic Encounter with Elaine Welteroth

Social media has a funny way of presenting transformative leaders in a manner that makes it seem as if they are very distant, existing in a place far, far off as a result of their hard work and self actualization. Though elevation and separation often intertwine, Elaine Welteroth has maintained the ability to connect and have powerful conversations with young people like myself, who are still figuring it all out.

To give you a quick background, Elaine is a 2007 graduate of California State University, Sacramento, and was a member of the Condé Nast family for a majority of her professional career. She was the first black Beauty Director of Teen Vogue for a period of 5 years, and went on to become the first person of color to be the Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue. She has become a game-changer within the industry, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Standing beside Elaine in the photo above I look slightly awkward. Partly because I was trying to keep from shaking out of nervousness, and partly because she is so much more down to earth than I would have ever expected. Not only does she look like she is still in college, but she has the ability to relate and speak to us (college students) in a way that meets us exactly where we are. Instead of speaking at us, she spoke to us, and did so from a place of love. Here are three profound things she said:

“1. “You have to change the storytellers in order to change the story.””

She gave this response when asked a question about how she dealt with the accusations raised against Teen Vogue and cultural appropriation. While this method proved to be a solution for the publication, I think that it also pertains to many other areas of the Fashion industry and the push towards inclusivity. It’s important that everyones stories be told, but it’s even more important for the people at the top to hear them, and push them to the forefront. Elaine is a woman that has made her way to the top, and continues to use her influence to spread the narratives of those who are often silenced.

“2. “Educating others on diversity and increasing understanding can either become a teachable moment, or a triggering moment.” ”

Many people would agree that in the current state our country is in, you have to pick a side. There is no efficient way to remain neutral on today’s issues, when at their core they pertain to morality and integrity. With this in mind, Elaine spoke on the kinds of conversations that must take place to bring fourth understanding. She explained that when discussing certain social justice issues, you have to be conscious of how you are expressing your opinion. If people already don’t want to agree with you or see where you are coming from, you have to take a different approach. Leave anger and personal vendettas out of the conversation, and speak to be understood, not to persuade.

“3. “Life is a series of dreams realized.””

Towards the end of her time speaking at my university, she touched on the fear of not knowing what’s next. Everyone in the audience leaned forward and listened intently, myself included, because college is probably the most ambiguous 4 years in our lives that we will ever experience. When everyone asks “What’s next?” and “What are you going to do with your degree?”, it can be easy to pick one plan and roll with it. It’s easier to say one thing as opposed to giving several options or simply saying.. “I don’t know.” The problem with that method is that it then introduces the fear of only ever being able to do one thing. No one wants to work one job, live in one city, or be the same person for their entire life. By proclaiming that life is a series of dreams realized over time, she was explaining that we shouldn’t be afraid to put our focus and passion into one dream, conquer it, and move on to the next.

In an hour and a half, these three messages changed my outlook on my future. Elaine impacted everyone in the room with her presence, and I truly look forward to the day I get to meet her again. Though she is no longer the Editor in Chief at Teen Vogue, she is still very much a fashionista, and will be taking her skills to the upcoming season of Project Runway on Bravo. I hope that something she said has inspired you, and Elaine if you are reading this.. Thank You!