Cheri Kaufman is a successful entrepreneur, visionary, and global thought leader. She’s built a leading network of influencers, investors, and innovators dedicated to building high-growth companies who are transforming industries in technology and life science. In addition, she's created numerous start up programs and established an efficient screening process for how to source, qualify, advise, support, and showcase the most promising high-potential businesses seeking capital or partnerships for product development and expansion. Further, Kaufman is an important, long-standing and recognized member of New York’s philanthropic community and  founder and CEO of CiGIVE, an organization dedicated to empowering enterprising millennials by connecting them with the patronage and support of leaders throughout the business and philanthropic world.

As a founding partner of Kaufman Astoria Studios, Kaufman played a crucial role in starting the studio on the successful path to its prominent place today in New York’s film and television industry. She raised over $100 million for financing and is a recognized leader in New York film production. Under her initiative, all the studio’s sound stages are named after women who filmed there, including Diana Ross, Claudette Colbert, Gloria Swanson, and Helen Hayes.

Kaufman’s early trailblazing career included a founding ownership of the trading company, Cherut International, trading in cement, steel, lumber, and other construction materials, principally in the Middle East. While in the Middle East and Asia, as vice president of acquisitions and development for Intercontinental Hotels, she wrote feasibility studies, raised multi-millions in project financing, and managed multiple facilities. Over the years, Kaufman has worked with numerous leaders of private industry. She has hosted leaders in the business and entertainment industries such as Tim Cook, Michael Bloomberg, Summer Redstone, and real estate developers including Silverstein Properties, Kalikow Properties, and Helmsley Spear.

In addition to serving as the New York Chair of the National Women's History Museum, Kaufman's Board service includes: VP, Lifeline New York Organization; UN Women for Peace Committee; and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Kaufman resides in New York City; The Hamptons, New York; and Florida.