Audrey Gelman, the Wing's Co-Founder, Resigns. She leaves amid a furor over treatment of black and brown employees at the chain of women's networking spaces.
What did Audrey Gelman do?
The former CEO of the women's coworking space is speaking out to take responsibility for how the company mistreated employees of color and sustained classist structures. After four months of introspection, Audrey Gelman is breaking her silence with an apology.
Who is the CEO of The Wing?
Lauren Kassan, the Wing's other cofounder and longtime COO, has been formally named CEO.
What did The Wing do?
The Wing had plush workspaces, high-end toiletries, and an in-house café; it promised live events and opportunities for networking — all without men. Shortly after the opening, the New York Times sent a reporter to the city's newest cynosure of gossip and curiosity to observe the Election Night festivities.
How did The Wing get started?
When Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis began working on their cookware company, Great Jones, they signed up for Wing memberships. And for these women, the Wing really is the kind of professionally uplifting community that Gelman envisions.
When was The Wing founded?
October 2016
What happened to The Wing CEO?
Space staffers, now laid-off or furloughed, began to speak publicly about what their experiences at the Wing had been like — which is to say, like low-wage service jobs, rather than equal participation in a feminist paradise. Gelman resigned as CEO and issued an apology.
Who bought The Wing?
IWG
Why did The Wing close?
Gelman stepped down as CEO that June, in response to employees' complaints about their treatment by members and higher-up staff. In August 2020 it was announced that the London branch would permanently close citing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as the cause. 300 employees were made redundant during this period.