At IUNited, our team is composed of passionate, full-time students who are committed to making a meaningful difference in our community. While balancing our academic responsibilities, we work together to empower those in need, foster positive change, and create a lasting impact. Each team member brings a unique set of skills and experiences, united by our mission to serve and support others, whether through hands-on volunteering or advocating for those who need it most.
Founder and President: Marwah Tarakey
Marwah Tarakey is a junior psychology major at Indiana University Northwest on the pre-medicine track. From a young age, she saw the impact of volunteerism through programs like the summer food initiative and the book bus, which shaped her understanding of community support. After moving to a new town, she became even more aware of the disparities between communities, noticing the differences in resources and opportunities.
Her experiences visiting hospitals, particularly while caring for her grandmother, reinforced the importance of social connection for the elderly and those facing health challenges. Seeing firsthand how isolation affects well-being, she realized the need for action but wasn’t sure how—until now. Founding IUNited gave her the platform to channel her passion for service into meaningful change.
Coming from a family of ten, Marwah has naturally developed leadership skills that she carries into her academic and community roles. In addition to leading IUNited, she represented the College of Arts and Sciences in student government, working to enhance student experiences on campus. With a strong interest in the mind-body connection, she hopes to use her background in psychology and medicine to address healthcare disparities and advocate for those who are often overlooked.
Vice President: Jenna Ibrahim
Jenna Ibrahim is a junior at Indiana University Northwest, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. A trip to Palestine at a young age opened her eyes to the harsh reality of health disparities and the lack of basic necessities in underserved communities. This experience, along with her studies of similar issues in other countries, shaped her passion for helping those in need.
She previously served as the Coordinator of Community Outreach for IUN’s Student Government Association, where she worked with Title IX to educate the local community on diversity, equality, and sexual assault awareness. Through this role, she gained experience in advocacy and outreach, further solidifying her commitment to community service.
As Vice President of IUNited, Jenna helps oversee the organization’s initiatives, ensuring that projects run efficiently and that the group stays true to its mission. She brings strong leadership and organizational skills to the team, working to create meaningful change both on and off campus.
Treasurer: Luke Baczkowski
Luke Baczkowski is a sophomore at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Actuarial Science. Ever since he was in middle school, he was always getting involved in volunteering events through different organizations and was passionate about being able to help other people in need. He sometimes volunteers at a local cat shelter during the weekends and always tries to find new ways to give back and support.
He was introduced to the IUNited club during the summer of 2025 and instantly felt a deep connection with all of the members. Being in an environment where he was surrounded by people with similar mindsets, he felt even more comfortable and determined to try to make as much of a difference as possible and get deeply involved within the club.
Being the treasurer of IUNited, Luke helps to organize the statistical information of the volunteer events and fundraisers the organization participates in. Alongside Marwah, they work together to create graphs of the money raised and hours volunteered by all the members that visually demonstrate the dedication and perseverance of the volunteers and show how much of an impact IUNited has on the local community.
Secretary: Sana Khan
Description coming soon
Coordinators: Our coordinators represent a unique opportunity for students to take charge and lead initiatives that align with their passions. They oversee specific areas of our work and ensure that our programs run smoothly and effectively, empowering fellow students to take on leadership roles within the organization.
Events Coordinator: Brandi O’Neal
Brandi O’Neal is a junior at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law. She serves as IUNited’s Events Coordinator, where she brings creativity, organization, and enthusiasm to every project. Since joining the team, Brandi has been instrumental in coordinating outreach efforts, assisting with fundraising events, and helping strengthen IUNited’s presence across campus and the community.
Beyond her work with IUNited, Brandi is deeply involved in campus leadership. She is the President of the Pre-Law Club and Vice President of the Black Student Union, where she advocates for student engagement, empowerment, and representation.
Balancing her academic goals, leadership roles, and responsibilities as a mother, Brandi demonstrates remarkable dedication and resilience. Her passion for service and her positive spirit embody the values that define IUNited and continue to inspire those around her.
Domestic Violence Coordinator: Yessenia Hernandez
Yessenia Hernandez is a junior Biochemistry major and Pre-Law minor at Indiana University Northwest. She joined IUNited after seeing an opportunity to collaborate with other passionate students on an issue close to her heart.
Before coming to Gary, she was involved in a domestic violence organization in Indianapolis and has since shared her experience with IUNited.Growing up in the Gary area, Yessenia witnessed the negative impact of domestic violence on the community but also saw how local organizations uplifted women and children, helping them regain their sense of security.
Having personally experienced the effects of domestic violence within her own home, she understands its lasting impact on families. This firsthand experience has fueled her dedication to advocacy and her commitment to supporting survivors.She looks forward to working with like-minded students who are passionate about making a positive impact in the community.
Faculty Co-Advisor: Dr. Erin Schaefer
Description coming soon
Faculty Co-Advisor: Scott Fielder, MD
Dr. Scott Fielder, M.D., is a dedicated mentor and faculty advisor for IUNited, guiding students on their journey to medical school and beyond. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, he specializes in treating conditions of the upper and lower extremities, joint replacement, orthopedic trauma, and sports medicine.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Fielder is a fall lecturer at Indiana University Northwest, where he shares his expertise and insights to help students navigate the challenges of medical school. When he’s not in the hospital or spending time with his family, he dedicates himself to volunteering his medical services in some of Indiana’s most underserved counties. His passion for medicine and service makes him an invaluable part of the IUNited community.
IUnited PNW Chapter
Chapter President: Madina Tarakey
Madina is a sophomore at Purdue University Northwest. As IUnited’s Chapter President at PNW, she helps facilitate events, network with outside organizations, and provide strong leadership for the organization’s members.
Growing up in the same family and community as her sister, Madina shares many of the same early experiences that shaped their passion for service. From participating in local food drives to witnessing the needs of underserved neighborhoods, she developed a strong sense of responsibility toward helping others. Her attention to detail and interest in financial management naturally led her to take on a leadership role within the organization.
In her free time, Madina enjoys traveling, trying new activities to learn more about others, exploring cities, and shopping.
Chapter Vice President:
Description Coming Soon
IUNited 