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. When Jessie began her career as a student teacher, she was surprised to find stark disparities in access to sports and extracurricular activities based on socioeconomic status, similar to what she had observed growing up in Indonesia. This realization fueled her passion to create opportunities for all children and teens, regardless of their financial situation.

Jessie worked as a teacher in the Oregon public school system from 2015 to 2022. During this time, she noticed a rise in high-risk behaviors among students, many of whom faced challenges like learning disabilities, trauma, and difficulty coping with stress. Believing that structured physical activity could help address these challenges, she began exploring ways to integrate fitness into youth development.

In the middle of her teaching career, she co-founded and opened a local CrossFit® affiliate with the vision of creating a free youth fitness program. Recognizing the financial and time barriers preventing many children from participating in such programs, she organized fundraisers to launch a CrossFit® youth program at her gym. As both a teacher and gym owner, she witnessed the profound impact that physical activity and a supportive community could have on young people’s lives.

In 2022, she made the decision to leave her teaching career and sell her affiliate to fully commit to AMIGOS, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to sports and fitness.

Jessie’s educational background plays a key role in shaping her approach to youth development. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s degree in English Language Development, specializing in Trauma-Informed Education, she is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where children can thrive.

Through AMIGOS, Jessie strives to empower children and teens to realize their full potential, build resilience, and develop self-confidence. By offering accessible programs, AMIGOS fosters a culture of health, well-being, and belonging for young people in her community.