LaShawnda "Elle" Simone Scott

SALEM - LaShawnda “Elle” Simone Scott, a radiant spirit whose presence illuminated every room she entered, transitioned peacefully from this life on January 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her loving mother, family and friends. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 28, 1976, LaShawnda was the only child of Dr. Cheryl Price and Linford LaShawn Scott, both natives of Detroit. Elle lived a life marked by compassion, strength, authenticity, and an unwavering devotion to the people she cherished.

LaShawnda was raised in a faith-filled home where food, family, and love shaped her early life. She attended Detroit public schools and completed a greater portion of her education at Peterson Warren Academy (Inkster, Michigan) where she graduated in 1995. LaShawnda attended Columbia Union College and transferred to Eastern Michigan University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Community Social Work and a Master of Fine Arts in Entertainment Business.

Known lovingly as “Elle” throughout the community, Elle worked tirelessly to shatter glass ceilings and was dedicated to using her voice in spaces for those who systematically silenced and overlooked. In 2013, Elle founded SheChef, an organization for women chefs of color, bridging the gap of equity and diversity in the Food & Beverage, Media and Hospitality Industry. In 2016, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as a regular on-air test cook and host on PBS’s America’s Test Kitchen. She also authored bestselling cookbooks, including Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings (2022) and Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents (2024), and hosted the Walk-In podcast, sharing her passion, humor, and wisdom with a broad audience.

With a dedication to scholarship, Elle served as a member of the Boston Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier for many years. As the Co-Chair of their Annual Induction and Scholarship Dinner, she worked to support women by identifying non-members who displayed leadership in the food, beverage and hospitality industry and presenting them with scholarship and externship opportunities. Additionally, Elle was responsible for coordinating local women-owned/led restaurants and Artisanal Crafters to vend while simultaneously working to solicit in-kind donors and underwriters for the event.

Elle was a Board Member for the New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) for five years. As a Board Member, Elle worked to empower adults facing barriers to employment through training in culinary skills, social-emotional development and career-readiness for success and long-term financial stability. As Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for NECAT, Elle was responsible for establishing the organization’s DEI statements, bylaws and principles while spearheading the implementation of DEI training programs for staff while simultaneously ensuring support for students.

Elle has collaborated and contributed her unique styling abilities to Food Network, Food Network Magazine, The Cooking Channel, The Katie Couric Show, CBS Corporation, ABC’s The Chew, and Bravo’s Chef Roble and Co.

Elle also served as a Chef Educator with Future Chefs for six years. During this time, she taught quarterly Food Styling courses & workshops for students and the broader Dorchester community. She was a professional mentor for students interested in exploring Culinary Media as a career path and served as an advisory board member for Future Chefs, working diligently to empower Boston’s youth to take charge of their future by providing opportunities to lead and develop the skills necessary for personal and professional growth.

Additionally, Elle served as a DREF Research Matters volunteer. Under the guidance of Soror Ayana McCoy, Ph.D., Boston Citywide Coordinator, Elle assisted in monthly event planning, and program topic development, as well as engaging potential speakers and health-centered organizations. Elle also assisted with tabling for various events hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated to recruit members to join DREF and to disperse information about DREF and its benefits to the community at large.

Elle worked to ensure that others have a voice, opportunities and resources that were immeasurable. Her willingness to use her life, trials, tribulations and triumphs to raise awareness for others through social action and advocacy was at the core of her character. Since 2017, Elle served as a volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition – New England Region (NOCC), and the Ovations for The Cure Organization in Boston, Massachusetts, along with other national organizations. It was through these organizations that Elle educated others about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. As a thriver and survivor of ovarian cancer, Elle shared her own story to empower women. Even when Elle was not feeling well, she made a significant impact by ensuring that women nationwide are given the tools and resources needed to thrive and survive. Elle embodied selflessness, working tirelessly to save the lives of thousands of women.

LaShawnda was a woman of deep warmth and generosity. She possessed an intuitive gift for comforting others – whether through a soft word, a knowing smile, or her unmatched ability to make anyone feel seen and valued. Her love was her legacy, as seen through her family, her friendships, her work, and every community she touched.

A natural nurturer, LaShawnda gave of herself freely. She was the one who remembered birthdays, celebrated milestones, and stood by others in difficult moments. Her laughter – bright, contagious, and full of life – was a balm to many. Her wisdom, often delivered with humor and gentle truth, guided countless loved ones through life’s storms.

LaShawnda is survived by her parents Dr. Cheryl Price and Linford Scott (Karen), bonus parent John Banks, bonus sisters, DeAirah Banks and Cynamon Anderson, aunts Evelyn Price and Jackie Watson, uncles John Price (Juanita), Pierre Price, and Darrius Watson (Patrice), loving life partners Maria Garcia and Lakeshia Carter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated ‘Divine Timing’ line sisters and Sorors, Remy and a wealth of other loving cousins, God children, and dear friends who mourn her passing, but celebrate her life.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to LeShawnda's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell - Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) Salem, MA on Saturday, January 17th at 6:00 PM. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, SALEM. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.