Dionne Clifton

She grew up right here in Champaign-Urbana. She graduated in 1999 from Urbana High School and received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois. She later attended The University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication in Los Angeles, where she earned a master’s degree in Communication Management. She also holds an MBA from the University of Illinois' Geis College of Business. She lectures at the University of Illinois, and she is also active in Junior League as VP of the Membership Council. She is always seeking out new opportunities to gain experience, network and grow.

In her free time, she enjoys world travel, Paris is by far her favorite city in the world. She also really loves interior design and architecture. In 2017 she bought her dream home, a 1960's built John Replunge mid-century modern. She spent two years completely renovating this beautiful home, really sharpening her design eye, and construction management skills. You can check out before and after photos in her blog, Perfecting Projects in the HOME and BEYOND! Food is LIFE. She is always cooking, hosting an elaborate themed dinner party, and reading and creating new recipes. If you ever see her out in our community it will be at one of our impressive local restaurants (brunch), with some of the world's most caring and supportive people. Her friends and family have really helped support her ambitions, and she is truly thankful for them.

In 2017 she started lecturing at The University of Illinois. She teaches and manages the Sales Program in the Charles H. Sondage Department of Advertising, (Did you know Illinois has the FIRST Advertising program in the country? Cool, huh?) Our curriculum focuses on sales and marketing theory, while helping bridge the gap between academia and industry. Her students inspire her unbelievable. They challenge her and keep her young. She loves mentoring students and watching them grow into their own potential. Some of her most fulfilling experiences have been students telling her how her courses have impacted them.

In 2018 she created and founded LIVE Real Estate Group, a locally owned and operated Real Estate Brokerage, focusing on concierge brand real estate services- offering Creative HOME Solutions. From home sales, buying, investment to design and project consulting- her clients receive all these services in one place. Real estate has been a long-time passion of hers. She loves helping clients create a vision for their home and helping them achieve it. She proudly advocates tirelessly for them along the way.

Life is good. Through the difficulties, she approaches life with a true sense of optimism- and she believes consistency, innovation and humility are the three most important characteristics for success. Who knows what the future will bring, but she is sure it will be amazing.