Lylah M. Alphonse: A Distinguished Career in American Journalism
Lylah M. Alphonse is a seasoned American journalist whose career spans several decades of high-impact reporting and editorial leadership. From her early days at The Boston Globe to senior roles at U.S. News & World Report and Yahoo, Alphonse has established herself as a versatile voice in news, parenting, and political commentary.
Key Facts
- Born: 1972 in Princeton, New Jersey.
- Education: Graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
- Notable Roles: Editor of The Boston Globe's Rhode Island and New Hampshire bureaus; Managing Editor at U.S. News & World Report.
- Specializations: News, parenting trends, health, women's issues, and politics.
- Awards: Inducted into the Newhouse School's Alumni Hall of Fame (2000) and recipient of the Princeton Day School Alumni Achievement Award (2025).
Early Life and Education
Born in 1972 in Princeton, New Jersey, Lylah M. Alphonse is the eldest child of Gerard A. Alphonse, a Haitian electrical engineer, inventor, and research scientist, and Tehmina M. Alphonse, a Parsi restaurateur from India. This multicultural background provided a rich foundation for her future in global and national reporting.
Alphonse attended the Princeton Day School, graduating in 1990. She later pursued her professional training at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Her academic excellence and subsequent professional success led to her induction into the Newhouse School's Alumni Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2025, she was further honored with the Princeton Day School Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing her professional excellence and commitment to helping others.
Professional Journey and Editorial Leadership
Alphonse began her professional career in 1994 as an editor at The Boston Globe. During her initial tenure, she became a key member of the Sunday magazine staff and contributed extensively to various sections, including Travel, Food, Living/Arts, and National & Foreign News.
Expanding her reach into digital media and specialized publishing, she served as a Senior Editor and Writer at Yahoo.com. In this capacity, she covered a broad spectrum of topics including health, politics, and parenting trends, and conducted high-profile interviews with figures such as First Lady Michelle Obama and presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett. Her other editorial roles include serving as Managing Editor at Work It, Mom! and Consulting Editor for the Fezana Journal.
In June 2013, Alphonse transitioned to U.S. News & World Report, where she served as the managing editor for special reports before being promoted to managing editor for news in 2014. Following a period as Senior Vice President at Laurel Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications firm, she returned to The Boston Globe in October 2020 as the editor of the Rhode Island bureau.
Her leadership continued to expand in March 2023, when The Boston Globe launched its New Hampshire bureau, with Alphonse tasked with editing and shaping the publication's presence in that state.
Authorship and Media Contributions
Beyond her editorial roles, Alphonse is an accomplished author and commentator. She wrote the blogs Write. Edit. Repeat. and The 36-Hour Day. She is also the author of the book Triumph Over Discrimination: The Life Story of Farhang Mehr (ISBN 0-9709937-0-6).
Her written work has appeared in publications such as Interactions: A Thematic Reader (Houghton Mifflin Co., 1999) and Our Times (Bedford Books, 1998). Additionally, she is a frequent media commentator, appearing on WGBH-TV news shows in Boston and Rhode Island PBS Weekly.
| Organization | Role | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| The Boston Globe | Bureau Editor (RI & NH) | Leading regional news bureaus in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. |
| U.S. News & World Report | Managing Editor | Overseeing news and special reports. |
| Yahoo.com | Senior Editor and Writer | Covering women's issues and interviewing national figures. |
| Laurel Strategies | Senior Vice President | Strategic communications in Washington, D.C. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Lylah M. Alphonse study journalism?
She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
What are some of the most prominent organizations she has worked for?
Alphonse has held significant roles at The Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, and Yahoo.com.
Has Lylah M. Alphonse written any books?
Yes, she is the author of Triumph Over Discrimination: The Life Story of Farhang Mehr.
Which regional bureaus does she currently manage for The Boston Globe?
She serves as the editor for the Rhode Island bureau and also shapes the coverage for the New Hampshire bureau.
What topics does she typically cover in her reporting?
Her work spans a wide range of subjects, including politics, health, parenting trends, women's issues, and national and foreign news.