Rambam Health Care Campus is proud and honored to bestow the 2025 Rambam Award upon Marcelo and Fernanda Kalim, in recognition of their exceptional leadership in global philanthropy especially in Brazil and Israel and unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare excellence.
Marcelo and Fernanda met at the age of 15 and married in 1993. Marcelo earned a bachelor's degree in economic sciences from the University of Sao Paulo
They moved to Boston, where Marcelo earned his MBA from MIT and Fernanda volunteered in the Children’s Hospital. They are proud parents of three, all of whom educated in Jewish schools, continuing the family’s tradition of strong identity and values.
Fernanada and Mercelo Kalim
As Presidents of Friends of Rambam in Brazil, the Kalims galvanized support from their community for numerous projects, benefiting patients across Northern Israel and beyond.
Marcelo and Fernanda Kalim are visionaries whose impact extends far beyond the world of finance. As the founder, CEO, and Chairman of C6 Bank, Kalim has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to innovate and lead, building one of Brazil’s most dynamic financial institutions. Under his stewardship, C6 Bank has grown to serve tens of millions of clients, reflecting his excellence and instinct for transformative change.
Before founding the Bank, Marcelo was a driving force at BTG Pactual, where his leadership shaped the institution into a powerhouse of Latin American finance.
Marcelo’s strategic vision has left an indelible mark on Brazil’s business landscape, but it is the couple's commitment to social responsibility that truly distinguishes them. Marcelo and Fernanda have devoted themselves to philanthropy, supporting initiatives that create a lasting impact on communities. they support many organizations in education, health, the security of Israel, innovation, sustainability and technology, all are testaments to their belief in building a better, more inclusive future.
Fernanda’s degree in Dentistry from the University of Sao Paulo, with a specialization in Hospital Dentistry, and her passion for philanthropy led her to volunteer as a dentist at Unibes, and the Fortunee and Picciotto Associations. She is president of the Lar das Crianças da CIP an organization that helps youth in situations of economic and social vulnerability, providing after-school programming.
Fernanda is also co-creator of the Genetic Testing Program in the Jewish community- raising awareness among young couples about rare genetic diseases that are more prevalent in the Jewish population.
The Kalims’ dedication to giving back is matched only by their passion for strengthening ties between Brazil and Israel, fostering collaboration and innovation in healthcare.
Their connection to Rambam is deeply personal and rooted in a shared commitment to creating value-whether by advancing science, supporting patients, or empowering others to make a difference.
In times that call for unity and resilience, the Kalims’ leadership and generosity embody the spirit of Rambam and the enduring values that guide its mission.
In acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions to healthcare philanthropy and their role as a bridge between nations, the Rambam Awards Committee finds Marcelo and Fernanda Kalim deserving of the 2025 Rambam Award.
