A trailblazing chef’s untimely death sparks reflection on her groundbreaking legacy and the challenges of representation in food media.
Elle Simone Scott: A Pioneering Force in Culinary Media
Elle Simone Scott, born on November 28, 1976, in Detroit, Michigan, rose to prominence as the first Black woman to host on PBS’s “America’s Test Kitchen.” Her journey into culinary media began after she shifted careers from social work, driven by economic challenges during the 2008 recession. Scott’s unique approach combined culinary expertise with advocacy, founding SheChef to mentor women of color in the culinary industry.
Scott’s presence on “America’s Test Kitchen” represented a significant milestone, challenging the predominantly white landscape of food television. Her role was not just about cooking; it was about breaking barriers and setting a precedent for more diverse representation in media. This visibility created a platform for Scott to advocate for food justice and health equity, particularly addressing the needs of Black and brown communities.
Legacy and Impact of SheChef
In 2013, Scott founded SheChef, a for-profit mentoring and networking organization designed to support women of color aspiring to enter the culinary field.
Her vision was to create a “glass window” for underrepresented individuals, showing them that success in the culinary arts was achievable. SheChef’s impact has been profound, providing a network of support and visibility to those often overlooked in the industry.
Scott’s advocacy extended beyond mentoring. She was a vocal supporter of food access initiatives and worked to raise awareness about food deserts in urban areas. Her dedication to these causes underscored her belief in the intersectionality of food, race, and gender, and the need for systemic change in how these issues are addressed.
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share that our beloved colleague and friend, Elle Simone Scott, has passed away. We are still finding our words as we mourn the loss of an incredible human. Elle joined America’s Test Kitchen in 2016 and quickly became part of the… pic.twitter.com/WQLFHctVBp
— America's Test Kitchen (@TestKitchen) January 8, 2026
Championing Cancer Awareness and Survivorship
Diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer shortly after joining “America’s Test Kitchen” in 2016, Scott became a prominent advocate for cancer awareness. Serving on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, she used her platform to highlight the disparities in cancer survivorship among Black women. Her story of resilience and advocacy has inspired many, reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in health narratives.
Scott’s untimely death on January 5 has left a void in the culinary and advocacy communities. Her contributions to food media and her pioneering spirit continue to influence and inspire future generations. As the conversation around representation in media and health equity progresses, Elle Simone Scott’s legacy will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in these discussions.
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‘America’s Test Kitchen’ star Elle Simone Scott dead at 49
Chef, food stylist Elle Simone Scott dies