Michele Dudley attended the University of Southern California until moving to Charlotte in 1993. A few years later Dudley, through her church, was able to go to Burundi and Rwanda to learn about global poverty and experiencing working firsthand as well. This experience changed her mindset and gave her the motivation she needed to help found a sponsorship program for Rwandan girl genocide survivors through the program ALARM. ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) additionally started using jewelry as a form of empowering women. This idea stuck with Dudley. She incorporated this jewelry-making idea and used it to teach women survivors of sex trafficking and abuse how to make and sell jewelry. However, it was more than this, Dudley's program, "Fashion&Compassion" gave these women a place to flourish and continue to have opportunities in life. Her company has also allowed these survivors to obtain part-time employment as they are paid for their participation. The program additionally has a "lunch and learn" feature where these women can just meet and share their work and stories. Dudley not only provides them with money crucial for their well-being but also a warm and safe environment.