Emily Kaufman, Joe’s wife of three years, grew up in Lima, Peru. At age 23, she moved to Israel for eight years. Like many others, Emily nearly fell victim to Palestinian suicide attacks, which only made her dedication to making a difference in the world stronger.

With a great love for helping others, Emily has dedicated her life to teaching children and teenagers. In 2005, she moved to the United States where she teaches Hebrew and Spanish as a second language in Palm Beach, Dade and Broward Counties.

Emily has been quoted as saying, “Through proper language education, people will experience better opportunities in life. Learning to speak multiple languages allows for efficient travel, creates unexpected relationships and advances careers.” With the use of tools like art and music, she strives to ensure that her classroom provides an educational environment in which her students have fun learning.

Emily studied Methodology of Teaching and Artwork for children at the Peruvian Japanese Institute. In addition to Hebrew and English as a second language, Emily is a former Hebrew teacher for Birthright.

In 2008, Emily met her husband Joe Kaufman. At the time, Joe was a lecturer for many organizations and a successful investigative journalist. By the third date, the couple already noticed their similar views on family, tradition and making a difference. On New Years Eve 2009, while Emily and Joe were on a road trip to Washington, D.C., Joe proposed under the lights of the fireworks in Baltimore. From that point forward, they were inseparable, instant partners.

Every time Emily Kaufman saw her husband speak as an advocate of a particular organization, she noticed the audience becoming more and more outspoken in their want for him as their community representative in Washington. 

Two years later, Joe's following became significantly stronger and a group of tea party leaders directly asked him to run for congress. Later that night he went home and spoke to Emily and the decision was made, Joe would run for Congress. Five months later, Emily found her kitchen filled with T-shirts, bumper stickers and volunteers and it was time to find an office. Just like that, one fell into their laps when a landlord was told about Joe’s plans and platform.