While many may know the name Noelle Inguagiato through her past marriage to political commentator Jesse Watters, her story extends far beyond that public connection. She is a multifaceted professional who has built an impressive career spanning fashion, television, and, most recently, mental health counseling. Her journey is one of remarkable resilience, professional reinvention, and a quiet strength that deserves its own spotlight.
This is the story of a woman who navigated the demanding worlds of media and fashion, handled a public divorce with grace, and ultimately redefined her purpose by dedicating her life to helping others.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Growing Up in New York City
Born on May 5, 1976, to Peter and Rosemary Inguagiato, Noelle grew up in the vibrant and energetic landscape of New York City. Raised with a Scottish-Irish heritage, her upbringing was infused with creativity and a strong work ethic that would become hallmarks of her professional life.
The city’s dynamic culture and iconic fashion scene undoubtedly fueled her passion for style from a young age, providing a rich backdrop for her future career endeavors.
Academic Pursuits and Lifelong Learning
Noelle’s educational journey laid a versatile foundation for her career. She attended Fairfield University from 1994 to 1998, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on English Writing, Art History, and International Studies. This combination of disciplines equipped her with both strong communication skills and a sophisticated visual sense.
Years later, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth, she returned to academia. Between 2019 and 2022, Noelle earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, specializing in work with children and adolescents. This significant shift signaled a new chapter focused on service and healing.
Building a Career in Fashion and Media
Early Professional Steps
Noelle began her career in the competitive world of high fashion. She first worked as an Account Executive at Calvin Klein, followed by a role as a Public Relations Specialist at HBHPMK. These positions honed her skills in client relations and effective communication under pressure.
Her early experiences in the fashion industry provided her with invaluable insights into branding and presentation, which would prove essential in her transition to television.
Rise at Fox News
In 2000, Noelle Inguagiato joined Fox News as a Senior Wardrobe Coordinator, a role she held for nearly twelve years. Her keen eye for style and understanding of on-camera aesthetics had a significant impact on the network’s visual presentation, ensuring its personalities appeared polished and credible.
Her expertise did not remain behind the scenes for long. She began hosting iMag Style, a fashion web series, and became a regular style contributor on popular shows like The O’Reilly Factor and Outnumbered. As a television personality, she made fashion accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Family Life
It was at Fox News that Noelle met Jesse Watters in 2002. Their shared professional environment and ambitions blossomed into a personal relationship, and the couple married in 2009. For several years, they balanced their demanding media careers while building a life together.
In November 2011, their family grew with the arrival of twin daughters, Sophie and Ellie. Motherhood became a central focus for Noelle, who gracefully navigated the challenges of raising two children while maintaining her professional responsibilities.
Navigating Public Divorce with Grace
In 2017, Noelle’s life took a difficult turn when her husband’s affair with a 25-year-old associate producer, Emma DiGiovine, became public. The revelation brought intense media scrutiny, turning a private family matter into a public spectacle.
Despite the painful circumstances, Noelle handled the situation with remarkable dignity. She filed for divorce in late 2017, choosing to protect her daughters from the spotlight rather than engaging in a public battle. The divorce was finalized in March 2019, with Noelle securing primary custody of her children and reclaiming her maiden name, Inguagiato.
Career Transformation and New Beginnings
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Even before her career shift, Noelle had demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2011, she founded NKW, Inc., an interior design consultancy based in Huntington, New York. This venture allowed her to apply her creative talents in a new way, helping clients create beautiful and functional living spaces.
Transition to Mental Health Counseling
Noelle’s most significant career transformation came from her decision to pursue mental health counseling. Today, she works as a counselor at Kane Psychology PLLC, where she specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, and depressive disorders.
Her work also extends to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for stroke survivors. This meaningful second act reflects a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, using her own experiences with adversity to connect with and help others.
Life Today and Personal Philosophy
These days, Noelle Inguagiato leads a deliberately private life. Her focus is on raising her twin daughters away from the public eye, providing them with a stable and normal childhood. She has a minimal social media presence, a conscious choice that underscores her commitment to her family’s well-being.
She finds joy in outdoor activities and the companionship of her pets. Her journey is a powerful testament to her resilience, authenticity, and the understanding that true success is defined on one’s own terms.
Conclusion
Noelle Inguagiato’s story is one of quiet strength, professional versatility, and profound personal growth. From the fast-paced worlds of fashion and media to her current role as a dedicated mental health advocate, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and reinvent herself.
Her life serves as an inspiring example of how to navigate adversity with grace and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose. Noelle’s legacy is not defined by a famous last name but by her own achievements and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
