When The 19th launched last August, we made our journalism free-to-consume and free-to-republish because we want to meet our audiences where they are. We’re pleased to announce that Niketa Patel is joining our team to take this model to the next level as our Senior Director of Partnerships and Platforms, proactively seeking out publishers and other partners to reach and engage new audiences. 

Niketa is a veteran of the media industry. At Twitter she managed all print and digital news partnerships, where she collaborated with journalists across the country in their social news gathering and storytelling efforts. Of her many accomplishments, she’s particularly proud of producing Twitter’s #HerStory video series. 

Before Twitter, Niketa worked on editorial partnerships at the digital startup RebelMouse. Over her 18-year career, Niketa has also worked in digital journalism, product and audience development at CNN, ABC News, CBS News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Florida Times-Union. She currently serves as a board member for the Online News Association. We’re thrilled that Niketa’s passion for elevating underrepresented voices will find a home within our mission.

Niketa is based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she recently moved from New York City with her family. Her first day at The 19th will be (fittingly) on July 19. You can follow her on Twitter at @Niketa. Please join us in welcoming Niketa to the team!