Elle Simone Scott, culinary trailblazer, has died The chef and TV personality worked to increase visibility and opportunity for women of color in food Elle Simone Scott in 2018.

 She was the first Black woman to join the cast of PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen.” Elle Simone Scott in 2018. 

She was the first Black woman to join the cast of PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen.”Michael Swensen for The Boston G  Elle Simone Scott, a trailblazing chef, food stylist, and cookbook author who was the first Black woman to join the cast of PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen,” has died. She was 49. 

 Scott spent her culinary career as a connector and a mentor, working in particular to increase opportunity and visibility for women of color in hospitality.  

Her approach to inequity in the food industry was a constructive one: “I think creating positive kitchen cultures is the solution,” she told The Boston Globe in a 2018 interview. 

“I don’t want to spend a whole bunch of time talking about these problems that aren’t my problems. It’s not my job to undo racism. I didn’t create it. It’s my job to create a positive, affirmed culture of women who can navigate.” 

To that end, in 2013, she founded an organization called SheChef. There were no membership organizations for women of color in the culinary world at the time, she said, so she created one. 

SheChef brought women together, offering both networking opportunities and a mutual support system. Get Winter Soup Club A six-week series featuring soup recipes and cozy vibes, plus side dishes and toppings, to get us all through the winter. 

 When Scott moved to Boston to join the “America’s Test Kitchen” crew in 2016, she instantly became one of the most visible Black women on food television, and a role model for those coming up behind her. With her warm presence, accessible instruction, and ready wit, she quickly became a fan favorite.  

Shortly after she started working at America’s Test Kitchen, Scott was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She became an advocate and educator, working to increase awareness of the disease.  Born LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott, Elle was a Detroit native who got her start as a social worker. When her agency lost its funding, it launched her culinary career — literally. 

She cooked for Norwegian Cruise Line for several years before moving to New York for culinary school. She catered for restaurateur Danny Meyer’s company, interned at Food Network, and then became a food stylist.  

As word of her passing spread, tributes poured in from all corners of the culinary community.   

  “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media. Her voice mattered. Her work mattered. She mattered,” wrote chef and television personality Carla Hall.  

“We honor you, Elle. Your legacy lives on in every kitchen you inspired and every cook who finally saw themselves reflected back.”  

Devra First can be reached at devra.first@globe.com. Follow her on Instagram @devrafirst.