About us | UB Homework Helpers

What we do: provide free tutoring and other educational services to K-12 students.

Our Story

Get to Know Us

At Homework Helpers, we believe every child, no matter where they come from, deserves a shot at success. Too many kids fall behind not because they lack potential, but because they simply don’t have the support they need. That’s where we come in.

Our mission is simple: we connect passionate, driven university students and graduates with K-12 students who are in need of extra help. Through free, one-on-one virtual tutoring, we’re creating a space where students can not only catch up, but thrive.

We started in Buffalo, NY, and have already expanded to Pennsylvania and Virginia, but this is just the beginning. Our vision is to spread this life-changing support to cities across the nation.

This isn’t just about tutoring; it’s about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every student has the chance to reach their full potential. We’re determined to open as many chapters as possible and provide these kids with the help they deserve—because no child should be limited by their circumstances.

Homework Helpers is made possible through a partnership with Learn to Be, a national nonprofit that provides our tutoring platform and support.

Our roots trace back to a collaboration with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Homework Helpers initiative, which launched in 2020 to support families navigating online learning. Thanks to that early foundation, we’ve been able to grow and expand our mission to provide free tutoring to K-12 students in need, with the continued support of Learn to Be.

Meet Our Founding Team

Co-Founder & Director

Julia Dietz

Julia is passionate about expanding opportunities for students and helping those in need. She graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with Highest Honors in Political Science. She has dedicated her work to breaking down barriers—ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive and that no one is left without a home due to circumstances beyond their control.

As Co-Founder and Director of Homework Helpers, Julia has helped build a program that connects students with free tutoring, especially in communities where extra academic support can make a difference. She also works at Center for Elder Law & Justice, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to older, disabled, and low-income adults. In her role, she assists clients facing eviction, homelessness, and foreclosure, while also working on policy advocacy and impact litigation to drive broader systemic change.

Julia is an aspiring attorney who believes in the power of law and community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful impact. Whether in education or housing, she is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges and achieve success.

Co-Founder & Director of Pittsburgh Branch

Evan Forti-Hong

Evan graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelors in Political Science in May 2023 and is currently pursuing a JD with a focus in public policy at the University at Pittsburgh School of Law. He hopes that this program can help students gain access to quality tutoring to help further their educational pursuits. In his free time, he likes to practice martial arts and read Wuxia literature.

Co-Founder

Shanaz Uddin

Shanaz is a recent graduate from the University at Buffalo, where she majored in Political Science. She is passionate about working in her local community and using digital strategies to enact progressive change. In her free time, she likes to make jewelry and play with her nieces and nephews.

Co-Founder & Director of Tutor Support

Gubaz Giorgadze

Gubaz graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2022 with a degree in Political Science (concentration in International Politics) and a minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He was involved in the Men's Rugby Club and the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Club, the latter of which he was the President and Co-Founder. He graduated with Political Science honors distinction. After graduating, he served the country as part of the National Guard.

With years of tutoring experience under his belt, Gubaz is dedicated to making sure our tutors feel supported. Every new volunteer tutor has the option to schedule a 1-on-1 call with Gubaz before their first tutoring session to receive guidance and advice.

Director of Community Engagement & Assistant Director of Virginia branch

Noor Al-Khaouli

Noor Al-Khaouli is a senior at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), where she is pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. She currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement at the Buffalo, NY branch and as the Assistant Director of the Petersburg, VA branch.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Noor spent most of her childhood and adolescence living in various countries, attending both public and private schools. This experience has given her a unique perspective on adapting to different education systems and understanding the complexities of systemic challenges. She is driven to leverage her research skills and personal experiences to make meaningful contributions to the communities she serves.

Outside of Homework Helpers, Noor is a dedicated narrative identity researcher who is passionate about understanding the human experience and its complexities. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has earned her the APA 2024 SUPER Fellowship, recognizing her ongoing efforts to promote positive social change through research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, and making art.

Founder & Director of Virginia Branch

Khalil Murdock

Khalil Murdock, also known as ‘Red’, is a graduate student in the Education Studies program with a concentration in counseling at the SUNY University at Buffalo (UB). Red currently serves as the director of the Petersburg, VA branch. He is also a team captain and Linebacker for UB’s football team. Red is a well accomplished athlete as he has been named to a number of lists including G5 1st Team All-American and Academic All-District. In addition to being an athlete, Red is also a narrative identity researcher and is interested in studying the human experience through the narrated stories of people from all walks of life.

Furthermore, Red is a native of Petersburg, VA. However, he moved to a nearby city in Hopewell where he would graduate from Hopewell High School while also completing an associates’ degree from Brightpoint Community College through a dual-enrollment program. After a post graduate semester at Fork Union Military Academy which helped him receive a handful of athletic scholarships to play football, He enrolled at UB and received his BA in Psychology with academic honors within two years.

While he aspires to play in the NFL, his main goal is to use his platform to promote positive change in as many lives as possible.