WELCOME TO THE PERSISTENT
We’re a women-run independent media organization that puts women at the center of the story. Why? Because women’s stories are too often overlooked, sidelined or erased altogether. Launched in 2024, The Persistent is here to change that.
With smart storytelling and sharp analysis, we cover the world—from business and politics to health and parenting to money and culture and more—while always amplifying the voices, stories, perspectives and ideas of women.
Our goal at The Persistent is to create a community where we can discuss new ideas, challenge the status quo and reframe how we see the world; a space where women and girls from all backgrounds will always be valued and seen.
All too often, women don’t see themselves represented in news stories about the forces that shape our world. Many stories in the mainstream media feature women as passive bystanders, people to whom things happen, as opposed to being the hero of their own story.
At the Persistent, we consistently push back against the gender stereotypes that have shaped the conventional narrative for years. We’re changing the definition of what “women’s content” is, one story at a time.
Imagine a space where women are fully represented; where women are steering the conversation, looking for those gaps, and telling their stories. That’s The Persistent.
WHY CALL IT ‘THE PERSISTENT’?
“Persistence” comes from the Latin verb persistere, which means to continue with strength. Today, to be “persistent” means to have resilience and a determination to steadfastly move forward in the face of challenge and opposition.
“Persistent” are those who have fought for women’s equality, respect and recognition; those who have consistently called out injustice; those who have stood up for their values and beliefs; and those who have remained uncowed in the face of intimidation and expectation.
Persistence is a quality, but it’s also a mindset. It’s the determination to fulfill a mission.
We will persist as long as it takes for women to be heard, seen and valued.
OUR WORK AND MISSION
We publish work that topples sexist tropes, gendered defaults and societal stereotypes. And we cover it all, embracing the full riches of what life throws our way.
Our style is smart, accessible, compelling and entertaining. We avoid sexist traps, stereotypes and assumptions. We’re not afraid of a hot take, and we’ll never pull punches about saying what we think. When we see injustice or bad faith, we’ll call it out.
Our essays and reported articles feature women as our main characters. When we source experts, we quote women whenever possible. (In other news sources, men are quoted as experts 75% of the time)
The topics we cover run the gamut from business, finance, and politics to arts, culture, and lifestyle. We’ve covered a women’s-only Pink Bus in Karachi, the history of women’s soccer (going back to Shakespeare’s time!), the importance of having an “eff you” fund, how we might improve the birth process, and why women tend to get so tired at the holidays. At The Persistent, you’re as likely to come across a story about pop culture as you are about policy, politics or The Pill.
We also love to go deep on history, championing the oft-unrecognized achievements of so many women who were never really seen, from Henrietta Lacks to Mary Ware Dennett.
Above all, at The Persistent we’re trying to create a community, where women can find and support others—can speak up, and be heard—no matter who you are or what your own story is.
OUR WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
We work with a variety of writers and illustrators because we know there isn’t a single “women’s perspective”
Our editorial model is built on the idea that covering women fully means working with a multiplicity of voices—journalists, authors, writers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers—to paint a rich and nuanced picture of women in the world. We’re committed to seeking out stories about and by women who have varied perspectives, lived experiences, and communitiies.
MEET OUR EDITORS
Francesca Donner
Francesca Donner is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Persistent. Prior to launching The Persistent, Francesca worked at The New York Times, where she was gender director and the editor of ‘In Her Words.’ As a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal, she focused on women and the future of work. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Josie Cox
Josie Cox is a founding editor of The Persistent. She’s worked as a freelance journalist and broadcaster since 2019, mostly covering the intersection of women and the economy. Before that she was business editor at The Independent. She’s also held staff jobs at The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. Her book, “WOMEN MONEY POWER: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality,” was published in 2024. Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis is the executive editor of The Persistent. She writes and edits stories and leads editorial strategy, live events, and special projects. Kathleen previously worked as deputy editor at Fast Company, and as the host and creator of the podcast The New Way We Work. Follow her on LinkedIn and Bluesky
Emma Haslett
Emma Haslett is the managing editor for The Persistent. She writes essays and reports, and also works on editorial strategy. Emma is a U.K.-based journalist and author whose podcast, 'Big Fat Negative,' looks at infertility, IVF and the trials of trying for a baby. Follow her on Instagram and Bluesky.
Paula Derrow
Paula Derrow is the features editor of The Persistent, where she commissions, writes and edits all kinds of stories. Paula had a 30-plus year career editing and writing at national magazines including Self, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and many other outlets. You can find out more about her work here and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Claire Cozens
Claire Cozens is the global editor of The Persistent, where she commissions and writes international stories. Claire has worked in international journalism for more than 20 years, and been posted in India, China, Nepal and Hong Kong. She’s had staff jobs at the Guardian and Agence France Presse among others, and is now based in the UK. You can follow her on LinkedIn.
GET IN TOUCH!
We’d love to hear from you! Stories, book suggestions, news, notes, the occasional complaint? Write to us at: [email protected].
If you’d like to advertise with us, explore partnerships, collaborations, or events, check out our “Work With Us” page here LINK
