Dafena D. Russell-Stabler

About Dafena D. Russell-Stabler

I am a licensed real estate broker with over a decade of experience at the intersection of real estate, accounting, and financial services. My career began in Public accounting (PwC and RSM McGladrey), where I built expertise in audit, tax, and financial reporting before transitioning into commercial real estate with CBRE.At CBRE, I served as a Transaction Coordinator, Healthcare Associate Project Manager, and Business Development Analyst in Occupier Advisory & Transaction Services, managing complex transactions, A/P&A/R processes, commission reconciliations, trust accounts, escrow funding, and compliance with state real estate laws. I also led initiatives within CBRE’s Women’s Network and co-led the Chicago Chapter of the African American Network Group (AANG), reflecting my commitment to leadership and inclusion.Beyond real estate, I expanded my career in financial services as a Division Leader with Primerica, where I mentored teams, educated clients on wealth strategies, and strengthened my expertise in business development and client advisory. I also bring a background in hospitality and event operations, giving me a unique perspective on client experience and operational excellence.Academically, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Commerce with dual concentrations in Accounting and Real Estate from DePaul University and a Master of Science in Real Estate from Roosevelt University. I am also a Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate scholar and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.I bring to every role a balance of analytical expertise, client-focused service, and strategic problem-solving. My passion lies in helping organizations streamline operations, ensure compliance, and deliver value-driven results in real estate, finance, and beyond.

Experience

1. Division Manager

   Primerica

   Nov 2015 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Lead and mentor a growing team of licensed representatives in financial services, focusing on life insurance, investments, debt solutions, and retirement planning- Recruit, train, and develop agents through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and structured professional development, building strong, high-performing teams- Provide financial education to individuals, families, and small businesses, specializing in helping underserved communities create generational wealth through comprehensive financial strategies- Conduct in-depth needs analyses for clients to recommend tailored solutions in life insurance, mutual funds, annuities, debt management, and retirement planning- Manage division performance by driving sales goals, team productivity, and expansion into new markets while ensuring compliance with regulatory and company standards- Deliver financial literacy seminars and community presentations, positioning Primerica as a trusted partner in empowering families to achieve financial independence- Recognized among the top 150 licensed agents under Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) company-wide for outstanding production and client service- Consistently recognized for leadership in recruiting, team building, and client acquisition, while promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and professional growth.

Education

• Roosevelt University

  Master of Science (MS), Real Estate

  2012 — 2014

• DePaul University

  Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Accounting and Real Estate

  2005 — 2009

• Illinois Media School

  Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

  2017 — 2018

Skills

• Tax
• Analysis
• Investment Properties
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Financial Analysis
• Cch Pro Systems - Intermediate
• Tableau
• Investments
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Microsoft Office Suite 2010 - Intermediate
• Asset Management
• Brokerage
• Real Estate Transactions
• Due Diligence
• Microsoft Word
• Accounting
• Contract Negotiation
• Budgets
• Finance
• Negotiation
• Leases
• Commercial Real Estate
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Real Estate
• Management
• Master Tax - Intermediate
• Forecasting
• Leadership
• Real Estate Development
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Auditing
• Property Management