Audrey Gelman

Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and former political communications strategist recognized for co-founding "The Wing," a women's co-working space and social club that contributed to the evolution of professional community-building for women. Before launching The Wing, Gelman developed her career in Democratic politics, serving as a press aide on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, as deputy director of communications for New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and as press secretary to the Manhattan Borough President. She also held the role of senior vice president at SKDKnickerbocker, a political consulting firm. Gelman's background in politics and public affairs informed her approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing that a traditional business education is not a prerequisite for founding a successful company.

Gelman launched "The Wing" with co-founder Lauren Kassan, initially raising $2.4 million to establish the club, which drew inspiration from the women's clubs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These clubs played a significant role in the suffrage movement and the advancement of women in the United States. The Wing began as a single location in New York City's Flatiron District and expanded to 11 locations nationwide, attracting more than 12,000 members with annual fees reaching $3,000. The company ultimately raised $117.5 million in venture capital.

Securing financial backing for the women-focused co-working space presented challenges in the male-dominated venture capital industry. Despite initial skepticism, The Wing became a cultural reference point, hosting approximately 2,000 members-only events annually and featuring guests from Hollywood, Silicon Valley, professional sports, and politics. Gelman was named to Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business list, included in Politico's 50 Politicos to Watch, and recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30: Corporate Climbers and 30 Under 30: Law and Policy lists.

Gelman's public profile extended into popular culture. Lena Dunham cited Gelman as the inspiration for the character Marnie in "Girls," and Gelman appeared on the show as Audrey, a new girlfriend of Marnie's on-and-off boyfriend. Her resignation from The Wing marked a significant transition in her career. Gelman later purchased a historic building in Rosendale, New York, transforming it into "The Six Bells," a hospitality extension of her Brooklyn-based country home store. The Six Bells Countryside Inn, an 11-room inn in the mid-Hudson Valley, draws inspiration from Barrow's Green, a fictional village created by Gelman. This project reflects her continued focus on hospitality, community-building, and women's entrepreneurship.