Boston — Elle Simone Scott, the warm‑hearted chef, culinary producer, test cook, and founder of SheChef who broke barriers in the food world and inspired countless cooks, has died at 49. Her family confirmed she passed away on January 5, stirring an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans, colleagues, and mentees across the culinary community.
Elle, born LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott in Detroit in 1976, always believed in the power of food to connect people. She began her professional journey as a social worker in Detroit but lost her job, car, and home during the 2008 recession. That harsh crossroads nudged her toward cooking, a passion that had simmered since childhood.
At first, she worked on a cruise ship kitchen and later earned her culinary training in New York, moving into food styling and production for major outlets before landing a historic role on PBS’s “America’s Test Kitchen.” In 2016, she became the first Black woman to be a regular on‑air contributor, combining expertise and empathy in every segment. Viewers adored her calm guidance and meticulous technique.
Beyond television, Elle’s mission was always bigger than recipes. In 2013 she founded SheChef, a mentoring and networking community for women chefs of color and their allies. SheChef grew into a supportive, practical space where aspiring professionals found mentorship, opportunities, and encouragement in an industry that too often overlooked them.
Her life was marked by courage off the screen as well. In 2016, shortly after moving to Boston, Elle was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She openly shared her journey, advocating for early detection and compassionate care, especially for women of color. Her resilience through treatment and her desire to educate others touched many beyond the culinary sphere.
Friends and fans remember her not just for her skill but for her generous spirit. “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media,” one colleague said, highlighting how Elle’s presence made space for cooks who had never seen themselves reflected on camera.
In Boston’s food and media worlds, the loss is deeply felt. Tributes speak of her laughter, her thoughtful teaching, and the many moments where she transformed kitchens into places of learning and joy. Her legacy lives on in every cook she inspired, every mentee she lifted, and the thriving community she helped build.