In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I am joined by Dionne Williamson, founder of UPward Design for Life, to talk about love made practical—turning empty apartments into true homes. Dionne shares how her team’s dignity-first approach delivers more than furniture: it creates spacesthat say you are safe, you are warm, you are loved. We explore how thoughtful details and community partnership help families exhale, begin again, and feel a deep sense of belonging. As Dionne puts it, our work deliversfamilies a true sense of home—a safe space and a place to rebuild their lives and find peace. If you believe home should be a soft place to land and a strong place to launch, this conversation is your reminder that practical kindness can build it—one room, one family, one fresh start at a time.
Thank you so much Dionne for your time and sharing yourmission. The work that UPward Design for Life is doing is making such an impact on our local community. I can’t thank her and the team of Volunteers enough for all that they are doing to bring a renewed sense of home and peace to those who need it. Links to Upward Design for Life and Dionne are below.
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About Dionne:
Dionne Williamson is a lifelong resident of Western New York with a passion for design and a deep appreciation for the power of creating safe, beautiful homes. A naturally creative person, Dionne feels a true calling to use her gifts to uplift others and improve lives through design.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of UPward Design for Life, Corp. (UDFL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope by transforming empty spaces into homes for individuals and families transitioning out ofhomelessness in Erie and Niagara Counties.
Dionne launched UDFL from her home in 2017 with a vision tomerge her love for design with a pressing community need. Since then, UDFL has transformed more than 150 empty spaces into warm, welcoming homes—restoring hope, dignity, and independence for countless families rebuilding their lives.
A community-driven and servant-hearted leader, Dionne hasspent many years serving on local boards and volunteering with grassroots organizations that support survivors of domestic violence and neighborhood revitalization efforts. She remains deeply engaged and hands-on in her work, connecting directly with those she serves. Each month, she also finds joy in reading to children at a local bookstore.
Dionne is a proud wife to a supportive husband and mother totwo incredible daughters, and a wonderful son.
