NEEM was founded by Marisa and Tanner, two people who share a deep belief in the power of education and connection. The idea for NEEM began in a university classroom where Marisa learned about the staggering rates of malnutrition in India and the power of education as a sustainable solution. In that moment, something clicked. She realized that true, lasting change doesn’t come from temporary aid- it comes from knowledge that empowers communities to care for themselves.
From that spark, NEEM was born. Marisa began researching and developing educational programs focused on nutrition, health, and maternal well-being. NEEM is built on the foundation of a belief in education over intervention and empowerment over charity. Our programs are designed not only to address malnutrition but also to build bridges between people and cultures. Participants have the opportunity to engage directly with local communities- learning from them, sharing experiences, and forming genuine relationships that go beyond a single trip.
The result is a program that empowers volunteers to make a sustainable difference through hands-on malnutrition assessments and nutrition education, while also immersing themselves in the beauty, traditions, and daily life of the country they serve in. For Tanner and Marisa, this personal connection is at the heart of NEEM’s mission. Their belief is simple: the best way to understand a culture is to serve alongside its people. Every interaction is an exchange of learning, empathy, and respect – it’s an experience that transforms everyone involved.
What started as a classroom idea has grown into a mission that connects people across continents, helping families live healthier, stronger, and more sustainable lives.