HAPPY WOMENS HISTORY MONTH
Womens History Month: Let's Talk About A Phenomenal Woman
Dr. Victoria Best, Founder and CEO of Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring Service (VUOTS), was proudly recognized by State Representative Chris Rabb of the 200th Legislative District as a Phenomenal Woman. This honor reflects her unwavering commitment to community, education, and empowerment.
Through her leadership, Dr. Best continues to create meaningful opportunities for youth and families, using her voice, lived experience, and vision to inspire change and uplift others. This recognition not only celebrates her individual impact but also highlights the mission and work of VUOTS within the Philadelphia community.
Scars,Voices & Becoming: VUOTS Womens History Month Honorees
Her Story
Her Strength
Her Strength
Keona Sparks is a motivational speaker, wellness advocate, and founder of Key’s Essentials who empowers individuals to prioritize self-love, resilience, and personal growth. Through her high-energy workshops, fitness classes, and inspirational tools, she encourages others to live with intention and show up fully for themselves—mind, body,
Keona Sparks is a motivational speaker, wellness advocate, and founder of Key’s Essentials who empowers individuals to prioritize self-love, resilience, and personal growth. Through her high-energy workshops, fitness classes, and inspirational tools, she encourages others to live with intention and show up fully for themselves—mind, body, and spirit. Her message is clear: self-love is foundational, wellness is essential, and resilience is a way of life.
Her Strength
Her Strength
Her Strength
Tiffany J. Vulcain (T.J.) is a systems-impacted leader, author, and advocate working to advance criminal justice reform and support justice-impacted families. Drawing from her lived experience, she leads programming for women at The Fortune Society, focusing on workforce development, personal growth, and trauma-informed support. She is th
Tiffany J. Vulcain (T.J.) is a systems-impacted leader, author, and advocate working to advance criminal justice reform and support justice-impacted families. Drawing from her lived experience, she leads programming for women at The Fortune Society, focusing on workforce development, personal growth, and trauma-informed support. She is the founder of Parents Day, an initiative uplifting parents navigating reentry, and serves as an Empathy Network Lead with Dream.org, advocating for housing equity. Through her writing, storytelling, and leadership, Tiffany works to amplify the voices of system-impacted communities and create pathways for healing and opportunity.
Her Becoming
Her Strength
Her Becoming
Rysheda Elliott is a faith-driven leader, pastor, and advocate whose life was transformed after overcoming addiction, incarceration, and personal hardship. Since 2003, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal and rebuild through ministry, reentry support, and community service. She is the founder of Miracles in Formation and lead
Rysheda Elliott is a faith-driven leader, pastor, and advocate whose life was transformed after overcoming addiction, incarceration, and personal hardship. Since 2003, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal and rebuild through ministry, reentry support, and community service. She is the founder of Miracles in Formation and leads Living Waters of Change Deliverance Ministry, while also serving as a victim advocate supporting families impacted by violence. Through her work in prisons, shelters, and community spaces, Rysheda empowers others with hope, faith, and the tools to transform their lives.
Education Shouldn’t Depend on Access—But It Still Does.
Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring Service (VUOTS) provides free, community-based academic support to individuals across Philadelphia
bridging gaps, building confidence, and creating opportunity.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
Across Philadelphia, too many students are navigating an education system that is under-resourced and inconsistent. Literacy gaps, school closures, and limited access to academic support continue to impact students and families across the city.
Education should not depend on zip code—but for many, it still does.
THE REALITY IN PHILADELPHIA
- Thousands of students face reading and math proficiency gaps
- School closures have disrupted community learning environments
- Many families lack access to consistent, individualized academic support
These challenges are real—but so is the opportunity to respond.
WHERE VUOTS STEPS IN
VUOTS exists to stand in that gap.
We provide free tutoring and academic support designed to meet students where they are—while building confidence, consistency, and long-term success.
Our work is rooted in:
- Academic support
- Mentorship
- Community connection
- Culturally responsive learning
WHY SECONDARY SUPPORT MATTERS
Learning does not stop when the school day ends.
For many students, the classroom alone is not enough. Secondary support—tutoring, mentorship, and community-based programs—helps reinforce learning, address gaps, and provide the individualized attention students need to thrive.
VUOTS ensures that support exists—consistently and intentionally.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
OUR WORK IN ACTION
OUR WORK IN ACTION
VUOTS works directly in communities, schools, and partnerships to provide:
- Free tutoring services
- Educational workshops (civic engagement, storytelling, Black history)
- Youth mentorship and internship opportunities
- Community-centered programming and advocacy
MORE THAN TUTORING
OUR WORK IN ACTION
OUR WORK IN ACTION
VUOTS is not just a tutoring service.
We are building spaces where students:
- feel seen
- feel supported
- believe in their ability to succeed
Because when students are supported, communities are strengthened.
CALL TO ACTION
OUR WORK IN ACTION
CALL TO ACTION
Get Involved With VUOTS
Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or organization, there are ways to connect with our work.
[ Register for Tutoring ]
[ Bring VUOTS to Your School ]
[ Support Our Work ]
