Ms. Braufman devotes her time to political and philanthropic activities, primarily focusing on candidates running for office, women’s health and the arts.
A lifelong participant and fan of the arts, Ms. Braufman has aided many well-known, large, and less well-known smaller arts organizations that provide performance opportunities for professional, as well as amateur artists. For example, she is a long-time supporter of Dances Patrelle, which produces a Nutcracker ballet set in Gracie Mansion with a mixed cast of amateurs and professionals, as well as the Young People’s Chorus, which provides inner city kids with opportunities to perform at an award-winning level. She also supports organizations that assist artists struggling with personal issues like Career Transitions for Dancers and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative for women working in the theater.
Ms. Braufman is Board Chairman of The Center for Arts Education and sits on the boards of the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center, a part of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the National Institute of Reproductive Health, the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, and Citizens Budget Commission.
In the political realm, she developed concepts and co-chaired events for New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, United States Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, and for NARAL Pro-Choice America, and provided candidates like New York State Senator Eric Schneiderman with opportunities to speak on issues of concern, such as the need for reform in Albany. Additionally, Ms. Braufman recently served on Governor Spitzer’s transition team.
