Jessie Dudley
Founder
Jessie Dudley is the Founder of the nonprofit organization AMIGOS. Born and raised in Java, Indonesia, she moved to the United States at the age of 17. With a strong background in education, she worked as a teacher in the Oregon public school system from 2015 to 2022. In the middle of her teaching career, she co-founded and opened a local CrossFit® affiliate, with the vision of establishing a free youth fitness program. Recognizing the financial and time barriers that often prevent children and teens from participating in such programs, she organized fundraisers to support the launch of a CrossFit® youth program at her gym. During her time as both teacher and gym owner, she witnessed the positive impact that physical activity and a supportive community can have on children and teens.
In 2022, she made the difficult decision to leave her teaching career in order to fully commit herself to AMIGOS in order to create opportunities for children and teens to experience the transformative power of sports and fitness programs.
Her educational background plays a significant role in shaping her approach to youth development. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters degree in English Language Development, while specializing in Trauma Informed Education, she understands the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for young people. She recognizes that sports and fitness can be powerful tools for building resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Through AMIGOS, she strives to break down the barriers that prevent many children and teens from accessing sports and fitness programs. AMIGOS aims to empower children and teens to realize their full potential and believe in their abilities to achieve anything they set their minds to. By creating inclusive and accessible programs, AMIGOS is making a positive impact on the lives of young people and fostering a culture of health, well-being, and resilience in her community.