Fashion

#ICYMI: After Six Years, Teen Vogue Editor Elaine Welteroth Resigns

Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Elaine Welteroth announced that she was leaving Teen Vogue after 6 years in an Instagram post on Sunday.

When I moved to New York City at 21 as an editorial intern, my greatest dream was to become Editor-in-Chief. It was a goal too intimidating to even say aloud. I was convinced it was totally out of reach for someone with no connections, no trust fund, and no fancy clothes. I pursued the path anyway. Eventually, I started believing the vision placed inside of me. I learned to shrug off the fear of failure, and how to refuse the urge to shrink—even when I was asked to. . Now, at 31, God has broken the glass ceiling on all of my wildest childhood dreams. My bucket list is all checked off and somewhere along the way I’ve managed to join the ranks of unstoppable women who’ve, throughout history, stared back into the face of the unknown and decided to MAKE IT HAPPEN. . Now, it is time to dream even bigger. . After six life-changing years at Conde Nast, I’ve decided to leave the company. Leading @TeenVogue at a time such as this, alongside some of the most talented people in the industry has been the most rewarding experience of my editorial career. It has helped me discover how to use my voice to empower young people and girls. This will continue to be a major focus for me as I take my next step—because beyond the compelling covers, and groundbreaking conversations we started online, cultivating this incredible community is what I am most proud of. . You are a beautiful, inclusive tribe of thinkers, doers, and dreamers who challenge me to be better every day. Getting to know you, both online and in person, has been the absolute greatest joy of my job. And I’m excited to take you all along for the ride into my next chapter. . What I know now that I didn’t know at 21 is that life is a series of dreams realized. There is no destination, but there will be breakthrough after breakthrough along the way. Our greatest obligation is to keep reaching, to continue growing, to push beyond what seems possible, to live outside the boxes created for us. That is exactly what 2018 is about for me, and for all of us. I’m beyond excited for what the future holds—if 2017 taught us anything, it’s to never underestimate the power of a black woman…✌?❤️✊? #TeenVogueForever #ontothenext

A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on Jan 14, 2018 at 8:11am PST

The then 21-year-old moved to New York City as an editorial intern and later went on to become the first African-American beauty director at Teen Vogue. In 2016 Welteroth became the second black editor-at-large in Conde Nast’s history. The beloved publication covers everything from beauty to politics and has been a staple for readers for years now.

In her Instagram post, Welteroth stated that working at Teen Vogue has helped her to use her voice to empower other women. This comes months after Teen Vogue announced that it will be digital only.

Phillip Picardi, who is a digital editorial director at Teen Vogue, is tapped to be the next Editor-in-Chief following Welteroth’s departure.

To the @teenvogue Vogue team, past, present, and future: Thank you. You are the lifeblood of an important legacy. You have proven the power of young people to transform media, to disrupt the status quo, to take a stand, and to make the whole world stop and take notice. During a critical turning point in our culture, amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and sometimes even vitriol, this team created history-bending, award-winning, zeitgeist-shifting content. Thanks to all of you, this team will be remembered for standing on the right side of history. . We were the Little Engine That Could that became a freight train. When no one was looking we were the band of outsiders that rolled up our sleeves to build the table we wanted to sit at. And then we made space for others to feel they belonged here, too. Together, we designed a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices and celebrates beauty that defies convention. We tell stories that take back our collective power and redefine the culture of activism and leadership in media. We’ve defied expectations, we’ve shifted the narrative, and we’ve persevered. Again, and again, and again. . It wasn’t easy and it won’t be easy going forward. But what I know for sure is that same spirit of reinvention (rebellion!) that transformed Teen Vogue will live on and I could not have more confidence in the team presiding over the future of this special brand. I will be cheering you on as you continue to soar and reach even higher heights. Y’all are the GOATs! #TeenVogueForever

A post shared by Elaine Welteroth (@elainewelteroth) on Jan 14, 2018 at 7:22pm PST

What’s next for the former Editor-in-Chief? It is rumored that Welteroth will be pursuing a career in television after inking a deal with the Creative Artists Agency. Her writing credits include ABC’S hit show “Black-ish.”

In a second Instagram post, Welteroth wrote that Teen Vogue will live on and that she has full confidence in the team presiding over the future of this special brand