Neelam Sethi

Global Philanthropist
Child and Arts Advocate

Global Philanthropist Neelam Sethi

Dean Iman Hakim, Dr. Richard Carmona, and Neelam Sethi at MEZCOPH Scholarship Luncheon

Thank you from Dean Iman Hakim

"Thank you Neelam for your devotion to the health and wellbeing of children, health advocacy, cultural awareness, and inclusion. You have forever changed the landscape in Southern Arizona, providing support and collaboration to elevate the wellness of our Tucson community and its people. It is a privilege to call you my friend, collaborator, and partner to continue the strong trajectory of our college."

Global Philanthropist Neelam Sethi

Global Philanthropist Neelam Sethi

Neelam Sethi, global philanthropist, community service trailblazer, and cultural ambassador, has worked to build programs and events to enrich our lives in Tucson for 32 years, with a particular interest in children, the arts, and wellness. Neelam knows how to bring people together, inspire them to collaborate, and achieve results.

When Dean Hakim approached Neelam to support the College of Public Health, Neelam not only gave her support, she also saw the benefits to the community and persuaded others to become partners with public health. In her work with the College, Neelam focuses on disease prevention and on health promotion for children and older adults.

Beginning with her support of Angel Charity for Children in 1991, Neelam has provided guidance, inspiration, and funding for numerous arts and wellness organizations around Tucson. An early supporter of the historic Fox Tucson Theater, she served on the Board of Directors for more than a decade. Working with the Fox, she launched the Bollywood at the Fox fundraising event.

A passionate advocate for children and families, Neelam also created the annual Family Arts and Music Experience (FAME) event, a free day of arts and culture for children at the Children’s Museum Tucson. As a founding member of The India Society of Southern Arizona (ISSA) she has highlighted the diversity of our region, brought the rich cultural traditions and foodways of India to our community, and won awards for her service.

Dr. and Mrs. Gulshan Sethi

Dr. and Mrs. Gulshan Sethi

In the health and public health sphere, Neelam remains active on many fronts. A strong supporter of the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, she also champions the College’s Global Health Institute. At the same time, she has organized fundraising events for the American Heart Association and the Arizona Heart Association to benefit heart health in Southern Arizona. Additionally, Neelam has given support and guidance to Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Esther Sternberg at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona to advance the innovative approach to wellness popularized by Dr. Weil. A devoted grandmother of five, Neelam continues to lead and inspire our Tucson community with her passion and her generosity for children, the arts, and wellness.

We are honored to have Neelam as our partner in public health and to celebrate her for all she has done for our college, university and community! Congratulations and thank you Neelam!

The Sethi Family, National Philanthropy Ceremony

The Sethi Family, National Philanthropy Ceremony


Please enjoy this tribute for Neelam Sethi from Cita Scott, renowned artist and supporter of the UA and Tucson community.

Cita Scott Tribute Video


Neelam Sethi, Global Philanthropist, Cultural Ambassador

T r i b u t e s

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Arizona Complete Health!Arizona Complete Health


Tribute from Sophia, Bodhi, Miya, Laila, and Nissa

Tribute from Don and Charlotte

Tribute from Reema and Jaggi


Tribute from Wetterschneider

Tribute from Tucson Medical Center

Tribute from CREST


Tribute from AZ Foundation

Tribute from UA College of SBS

Tribute from Bourn Partners


Tribute from Langer

Tribute from Jim Click

Tribute from UA Asthma


Tribute from TAB

Tribute from Hughes Credit Union