Sean F. Rouse, President & Founder
Sean Rouse is a Detroit native and graduate of Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Since then, he has built a distinguished career as an IT leader with over 15 years of experience managing enterprise infrastructure, supporting multi-site environments, and delivering secure, high-availability technology platforms across healthcare, logistics, education, and nonprofit sectors. In 2006, he founded the Detroit HBCU Network (DHN), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the Metro Detroit area, and has served as its president ever since.
Under Sean’s leadership, the Detroit HBCU Network has become a vital force in the community, connecting alumni chapters, individual representatives, and current students from various HBCUs across Metro Detroit. The organization’s mission is centered on three key pillars: Advocacy, Awareness, and Alignment. The DHN works to raise awareness about the academic excellence offered by HBCUs, align students with institutions that best match their educational and career goals, and advocate for the continued support of HBCUs and their local alumni chapters. In addition, the Detroit HBCU Network has created a scholarship fund to support deserving students from the Detroit area pursuing education at one of the nation’s 107 HBCUs.
Sean has been deeply committed to his community, particularly in preparing young people for success in high school and beyond. As an alumnus of INROADS, Inc., he has served as a mentor, helping to develop and place talented, underserved youth in business and industry, while also preparing them for leadership roles in both corporate and community settings. He has also been actively involved in the Detroit Northwestern High School Alumni Association and the Tennessee State University Alumni Association, Detroit Chapter. Within the TSU alumni chapter, Sean has contributed to various committees, including serving as vice president for two years. He currently chairs the chapter’s Recruitment Committee, serves on the advisory board for the Detroit College Access & Success Community Hub and serves as a member of the UNCF’s Detroit Inter-Alumni Council.
Under Sean’s leadership, the Detroit HBCU Network has become a vital force in the community, connecting alumni chapters, individual representatives, and current students from various HBCUs across Metro Detroit. The organization’s mission is centered on three key pillars: Advocacy, Awareness, and Alignment. The DHN works to raise awareness about the academic excellence offered by HBCUs, align students with institutions that best match their educational and career goals, and advocate for the continued support of HBCUs and their local alumni chapters. In addition, the Detroit HBCU Network has created a scholarship fund to support deserving students from the Detroit area pursuing education at one of the nation’s 107 HBCUs.
Sean has been deeply committed to his community, particularly in preparing young people for success in high school and beyond. As an alumnus of INROADS, Inc., he has served as a mentor, helping to develop and place talented, underserved youth in business and industry, while also preparing them for leadership roles in both corporate and community settings. He has also been actively involved in the Detroit Northwestern High School Alumni Association and the Tennessee State University Alumni Association, Detroit Chapter. Within the TSU alumni chapter, Sean has contributed to various committees, including serving as vice president for two years. He currently chairs the chapter’s Recruitment Committee, serves on the advisory board for the Detroit College Access & Success Community Hub and serves as a member of the UNCF’s Detroit Inter-Alumni Council.
Nikki Taylor, Vice-President
Nikki Taylor is a distinguished professional with a passion for education, marketing, and fostering inclusive environments. Born and raised in Detroit, she is an accomplished HBCU graduate, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Grambling State University, a renowned historically black college in Louisiana.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Nikki's commitment to personal growth led her to pursue an MBA, which she successfully earned in 2017. However, her dedication to learning didn't stop there. In 2020, she further expanded her expertise by obtaining a certificate in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. This credential showcases her commitment to promoting equitable and inclusive environments within various professional settings.
Currently, Nikki has found her way back to her HBCU roots as the Director of Outreach for Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Detroit's prominent HBCU. In this role, she utilizes her expertise to raise awareness about the college and its programs, ensuring that deserving students have access to high-quality education and professional opportunities.
Nikki's commitment to education extends beyond her professional life. She actively serves as the President of the local alumni chapter of Grambling State University, where she engages fellow alumni and supports initiatives that benefit the university and its students.
As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nikki actively contributes to the organization's mission of service and sisterhood. She embraces the values of leadership, scholarship, and community engagement, using her platform to make a positive impact on those around her.
As a loving mother, Nikki cherishes her role in raising her 17-year-old high school senior, Scott, and takes joy in the companionship of her beloved Yorkie, Denim “King James”.
Nikki Taylor's journey exemplifies the essence of an accomplished HBCU graduate who continuously seeks personal and professional growth. Her dedication to education, her community, and promoting inclusivity make her a valued member of the Detroit professional landscape and an inspiration to others.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Nikki's commitment to personal growth led her to pursue an MBA, which she successfully earned in 2017. However, her dedication to learning didn't stop there. In 2020, she further expanded her expertise by obtaining a certificate in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. This credential showcases her commitment to promoting equitable and inclusive environments within various professional settings.
Currently, Nikki has found her way back to her HBCU roots as the Director of Outreach for Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Detroit's prominent HBCU. In this role, she utilizes her expertise to raise awareness about the college and its programs, ensuring that deserving students have access to high-quality education and professional opportunities.
Nikki's commitment to education extends beyond her professional life. She actively serves as the President of the local alumni chapter of Grambling State University, where she engages fellow alumni and supports initiatives that benefit the university and its students.
As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nikki actively contributes to the organization's mission of service and sisterhood. She embraces the values of leadership, scholarship, and community engagement, using her platform to make a positive impact on those around her.
As a loving mother, Nikki cherishes her role in raising her 17-year-old high school senior, Scott, and takes joy in the companionship of her beloved Yorkie, Denim “King James”.
Nikki Taylor's journey exemplifies the essence of an accomplished HBCU graduate who continuously seeks personal and professional growth. Her dedication to education, her community, and promoting inclusivity make her a valued member of the Detroit professional landscape and an inspiration to others.