Raymond Braun

Raymond Braun is a renowned media personality, journalist, social influencer, and entrepreneur. After leading LGBT marketing and partnerships at YouTube, a role he originated, he was recognized on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, iMedia top 25 Marketing Leaders and Innovators, and Men’s Health “Gay Celebrities Roundtable.” In 2015, he founded RWB Media, focusing on diverse community engagement and social outreach, with prestigious clients including CHANEL and Google.

During his tenure at YouTube, Braun initiated the #ProudToLove campaign in 2013, YouTube’s first marketing effort to support the LGBT community. This campaign set a precedent for the company’s future initiatives in this area and earned YouTube the GLAAD Ric Weiland Award. Braun has been pivotal in aiding numerous celebrities and influencers in navigating their public coming out stories via social media. He also served as YouTube’s LGBT Ambassador, enhancing the brand's perception within the LGBT community as evidenced by YouGov’s BrandIndex.

Braun has consistently used his platform to address and promote mental health awareness. In 2023, he set two certified World Records by completing the "777 Challenge" - 7 Olympic Distance triathlons on all 7 continents in 7 consecutive days, an endurance feat aimed at fostering conversations about mental health and honoring his late friend, Maya Amoils. He has spoken on this and related topics at high-profile venues including the White House and the Forbes CMO Summit.

An accomplished academic, Braun graduated valedictorian from Stanford University, earning a B.A. and M.A. in Media Studies. His professional journey has included impactful positions at YouTube, where he was instrumental in leading LGBT-focused initiatives, and at Bumble in leadership roles.

Braun’s commitment extends beyond entrepreneurship and advocacy; he is also a GLAAD Award-winning broadcast host and documentary producer. His work includes the YouTube Original Documentary "State of Pride," which premiered at SXSW, and he partnered with Instagram on the groundbreaking "#VisibleMe" video series.

Today, Braun's work emphasizes making fitness more inclusive, destigmatizing mental health, and sharing transformative stories through various mediums, including public speaking, counseling, and documentary storytelling.