Classie Dudley is a driven community activist and impassioned advocate. Born in Duluth, MN, Classie has a B.A. in Policy and Strategic Organizing from Metropolitan State University and an MBA from Longwood University. She has served as the co-owner and operational manager at Leiha LLC, a Twin Ports shelter that provides services and opportunities to people transitioning into stable housing.
Classie is an alum of the inaugural class of NEXTGEN, a leadership development program led by the NAACP National Board of Directors and currently serves as the President of the Duluth Branch NAACP, the largest branch in Minnesota. She has served as a chair and member of several boards throughout the nation, including being the first leadership fellow of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.
She has been a leader in local initiatives for policy change and community collaboration that are grounded in sustainable, people-first approaches. Classie is well known throughout the Northland as a critical voice in the fight for racial equity and has been featured on a multitude of media platforms.
Aside from her nonprofit and professional activities, Classie enjoys filmmaking and her work has been featured on the CW Television Network. She is excited to use her experience and knowledge to lead Community Action Duluth in its work to empower and engage the community to eliminate poverty.