Dr. Shahrzad Khadem Adam Salehi was born in Giessen, Germany. At five years old, she moved with her parents to her Iranian homeland, where she completed her primary and middle school education. Eventually, her family immigrated to Long Island, New York, where she graduated from high school. Through great perseverance driven by her strong sense of philanthropy and desire to help others, she earned a Bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University in New York, and then received her PharmD degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. She eventually moved to Arizona and currently provides pharmaceutical services with her staff  in Phoenix. 

As an immigrant raised in an educated family with a deep love and pride for their culture, Dr. Salehi understands the sorrow immigrants often feel when disconnected from their homeland and is committed to ensuring access to familiar customs Iranians cherish is kept alive. She founded Dariush Persian Language School in Arizona in order to preserve the ancient Persian language, literature, and culture for children, teenagers, and adults living away from their Iranian homeland. In addition, Dr. Salehi has actively promoted the importance of preserving Persian culture and traditions as a member of the Iranian American Society of Arizona since 2006, serving as a board member and organizing local celebrations of the ancient festivals and traditional ceremonies of Iran.