Nicole T. Seguin, Director National HIV/AIDS Project
Nicole started her career off in information technology. She has worked for Compuware, Ford Motor Company, The Computer Care Company and Global Crossing. At the age of 30, while in school for computer engineering, Nicole was diagnosed HIV positive. Being diagnosed with HIV inspired Nicole to become more involved in the HIV community, particularly addressing issues that plague women, infants and children.
She joined the Part D Community Advisory Board and was soon elected chair. Her unwavering dedication to shaping the advisory board and her commitment to educating the community about research has been giving women a much needed voice in the Detroit HIV community. As chair of the CAB, she has been selected to be the regional representative for the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trial Network (IMPAACT).
She was also selected to be a part of the AIDS Alliance Consumer Leadership Corps Training Program which empowers women living with HIV to educate their communities. She is committed to helping people increase their access to medical care, educate the community about research opportunities and to linking others to the supportive services available in the community.
She has been appointed by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing to represent the community on the Southeastern Michigan HIV/AIDS Planning Council. She has been selected for other opportunities such as HIV Research Catalyst Forum, White House Project MAC AIDS Fund Cohort, Lotus Project’s Peer Advocate Training, Red Pump Project Ambassador, Positive Perspective Speakers Bureau, and she remains a member of The Positive Women’s Network. She plans on returning to school to pursue a degree in Public Policy and Law.
Her ultimate goal is to become a member of the United States Senate. She would like to one day shape the policies that affect women, especially women with HIV on both national and international levels. She believes no dream is untouchable. You can do anything you set your heart on regardless of your sex, race, disability and especially HIV status.
De Andre Cruz’Sein, paralegal and legal assistant
De Andre Cruz’Sein is a paralegal and legal assistant at Detroit Legal Services, PLLC and works with attorney Elizabeth J Blount. She is committed to the holistic approach to Social Security Disability law and is responsible for maintaining client contact and client files. Ms. Cruz’Sein has extensive knowledge of The Social Security Administration’s forms and filing requirements. She prides herself on being accessible to all of the clients with which she works and always returns client phone calls within 24 hours. Ms. Cruz’Sein hopes to provide assistance to those disadvantaged in the Detroit and Downriver communities.
Prior to working at Detroit Legal Services, PLLC, Ms. Cruz’Sein spent many years in service oriented jobs. She has over twenty years experience assisting people in multiple capacities. Her prior work experience sparked an interest in the legal field. As a result, Ms Cruz’Sein started a business providing copying and client file organization for Social Security and Disability attorneys. This business serviced the downtown’s McNamara Building and Oak Park’s Crown Plaza.
Ms. Cruz’Sein studied Criminal Justice at ITT-Tech and received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences/Paralegal Studies. Today she’s a motivated paralegal with a passion for today’s current events, traveling, and fashion. Loving, living life with a world of opportunity.
Priscilla Copney, Intake Specialist
Priscilla Copney is the Intake Specialist at Detroit Legal Services, PLLC. She has an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science of Education.
Prior to working at Detroit Legal Services, PLLC, Ms. Copney spent two years at Cass Community Social Services as a Program Assistant assisting consumers with HIV. If Ms. Copney had to pick a highlight of her past job, it would be the “one on ones” that she held with her consumers. These sessions allowed her an up close and personal look into their lives. Ms. Copney took pride in keeping them encouraged, uplifted, and willing to work towards their set goals. Working in this special population inspired her to change her views on life.
Ms. Copney’s ultimate goal is to complete her Bachelor Degree at Wayne State University in Social worker. Ultimately, she plans on opening her own business that will focus on helping young women.
Kai Cummings, assistant
Kai Cummings has always had a love for the field of Criminal Justice. She began her Criminal Justice education at Henry Ford Community College, where she obtained her Associate’s Degree. To gain experience, Kai took a job working in Loss Prevention for a major Department store. In her short time there, some of her major accomplishments included being nominated for Detective of the month multiple times, and being presented with this award twice.
Kai enjoys writing, traveling, helping others, and all things creative. Her ultimate goal would be to combine all of these things into one. Now working as an Attorney’s Assistant, Kai hopes to gain knowledge in the field of Social Security and Disability while providing professional and friendly assistance to clients.
