Elaine Welteroth is nothing short of inspiring. Throughout her career, she has made a name for herself as an award-winning journalist, TV host, and editor-in-chief in a field that can be incredibly tough for Black women.
Elaine’s journey hasn’t been easy. As an editor at various top publications, she had to fight for her place, demanding the resources, respect, and opportunities that are often hard to come by for Black creatives in fashion. Despite the odds, she has thrived, becoming a best-selling author and the second Black editor-in-chief in Condé Nast’s century-old history.
In a recent interview, Elaine highlighted the significant challenges she faced, underscoring the broader issues of systemic imbalance and lack of representation in the fashion world. This is why McDonald’s USA is stepping in to spotlight these struggles, and why Elaine has joined their Black & Positively Golden Change of Fashion Program as a mentor.
Elaine expressed her excitement about partnering with McDonald’s, seeing it as a chance to use her fashion industry experience to guide new designers and promote inclusivity in a sector deeply influenced by Black culture.
As part of the program, Elaine will mentor Shareef Mosby, the CEO of VICTIM15 based in Richmond, Virginia, helping him to grow and make a mark in the fashion industry. The program offers each designer access to valuable resources, nationwide stage features, one-on-one mentorship sessions, expert-led masterclasses, and opportunities to connect with industry stalwarts like Justina McKee, Shawn Howell, Jacqueline Cooper, and Sherri McMullen. Moreover, McDonald’s is making a statement at New York Fashion Week, encouraging influencers and tastemakers to “Show Up and Show Out In Black,” showcasing looks from Black designers.
Elaine’s path from editor to entrepreneur offers a blueprint for navigating the fashion world with determination and vision. Her involvement with McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change of Fashion program reflects her commitment to fostering the next generation of designers and pushing for more inclusivity and equity in fashion. Together with Shareef and McDonald’s, Elaine is working to create a future in fashion that fully embraces and uplifts Black creativity.