| Occupation: | Journalist, Novelist |
| Nationality: | American |
Linda Villarosa (born January 9, 1959) is an American author and journalist who is a former executive editor of Essence magazine.[1] She has worked on health coverage for Science Times. She is also author of several books, and her first novel, Passing for Black, was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in 2008.[2]
Villarosa was born on January 9, 1959. Her mother Clara Villarosa is also an author, publisher and motivational speaker. Linda Villarosa is a graduate of the University of Colorado and spent a year at Harvard University as a journalism fellow. She also earned a master's degree in urban journalism/digital storytelling in 2013 from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.[3] She lives in Brooklyn with her partner, two children and pets.[4]
Linda Villarosa was awarded the Lillian Smith Book Award for her book: “Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on Health in America” in Sept. 2023. Linda Villarosa has covered women's and African-American health issues in The New York Times, The Root, O Magazine, Glamour, Health, Vibe and Woman’s Day. She was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Magazine Article category[5] for an article in Essence titled "Pride and Prejudice."
She is a co-founder of Villarosa Media, other co-founders being her mother Clara Villarosa and sister Alicia. In 2008,[6] her first novel, Passing for Black, was published. She is author and co-author of three books, including Body & Soul: The Black Women’s Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being. Villarosa worked as a consultant to provide editorial expertise to companies and organizations like American Express Publishing and Meredith.[4] She also directs the undergraduate journalism program at the City College of New York.[7]