About us
Reflecting our elite-level service, values, and the unique impact we bring to every client.
“The Powerhouse of Nonprofit Infrastructure & Program Architecture”
Strategic Infrastructure • Custom Program Architecture • Organizational Excellence
We don’t just write programs — we build fundable, scalable ecosystems.
At SABERN Group, we specialize in transforming visionary ideas into legally structured, fully fundable, and operationally sound organizations. Whether you're a startup, nonprofit, or founder with a bold mission, we don’t just support your growth — we engineer it from the ground up.
Our signature 6-Phase Launch to Growth™ Framework is designed to meet organizations where they are and guide them toward where they’re meant to be: fully aligned, impact-driven, and ready to thrive.
BIOGRAPHIES
Nicole Hudgins-Founder
Nicole Hudgins – Business Strategist | Infrastructure & Program Development Specialist | Grant Writer
Nicole Hudgins is a Business Infrastructure and Program Development Specialist, Strategic Architect, and expert Grant Writer with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations turn ideas into fully structured, fundable, and scalable ventures. With a deep understanding of both business operations and community needs, Nicole builds custom solutions that lead to lasting impact.
Born and raised in Detroit, Nicole overcame childhood poverty and the foster care system to become a straight-A student, honors graduate, and lifelong learner. In 2004, she founded The Escalady Organization, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to reducing youth violence and substance abuse—funded entirely out of her own pocket and driven by her unwavering passion for at-risk youth.
Nicole has launched successful ventures across the U.S., France, and Côte d’Ivoire, building an international trade business that turned thrift store finds into thousands in profit. Between 2016–2019, she earned over $375,000 selling jewelry, apparel, and luxury goods out of her car and vending at local stores.
Today, Nicole specializes in guiding entrepreneurs and nonprofits through the full development cycle—from EIN registration and board structuring to 250+ page program development, grant applications, and continuation funding. Her recent success includes securing $25,075 from Forgotten Harvest for a church kitchen renovation project.
Nicole is a visionary who combines lived experience with strategic brilliance. She empowers others to grow, fund, and sustain their missions—and she brings unmatched heart, skill, and dedication to every project she touches.
Bishop Herman Starks CEO-Chief Executive Officer
Bishop Herman Starks is a powerful voice in politics, entertainment, ministry, and justice reform. Once wrongfully incarcerated for over 15 years, his journey from injustice to influence is a living testimony of redemption and purpose. Upon release, he entered the entertainment industry, managing artists, producing events, and eventually co-founding the Benjamin Brothers—an award-winning real estate and fashion brand revitalizing Detroit communities.
As a sought-after campaign strategist, Bishop Starks has managed high-profile political races and helped shape the public profiles of rising leaders across Michigan. His leadership extended into advocacy with Michigan United, where he directed campaigns for criminal justice reform, fair sentencing, and community healing.
Today, Bishop Starks serves alongside his wife, Apostle Sheryl Starks, as co-founder and senior pastor of Christ Truth International Ministries of Deliverance in Detroit. He also serves on the INFORM National Board of Bishops, mentoring faith leaders across the nation. Whether in the courtroom, the pulpit, or the streets, Bishop Herman Starks is committed to transforming pain into power—and purpose into progress.
Catreese Qualls-CCO Chief Communications Officer
Catreese Qualls is a dynamic communications strategist and equity-driven leader who brings vision, passion, and proven impact to her role as Chief Communications Officer at The SABERN Group LLC. With deep expertise in strategic communications, leadership development, and community engagement, Catreese has built a career on connecting people, ideas, and purpose.
As the Founder and CEO of Lotus & Sage Leadership Development Training & Consulting LLC, she empowers emerging leaders and organizations through tailored leadership solutions. Her experience spans marketing and outreach roles at Schoolcraft College, where she also coordinated diversity initiatives and founded the Pride Team, advancing inclusion across campus.
Catreese is known for uniting diverse voices through coalition building, serving in leadership roles with Arab Women United, Phi Theta Kappa, and The Change Up | Midnight Coalition. She sits on advisory boards and mentors with a focus on justice, equity, and sustainable change.
Recognized as a DEI IMPACT Leader by Career Masters and a "Hidden Gem" by Voyage Magazine, Catreese brings unmatched energy and insight to every endeavor—making her an invaluable force in shaping The SABERN Group’s strategic communications and community vision.
Nakisha Hudgins-CFO, CTO-Chief Financial & Technical Officer
Nakisha Hudgins is a powerhouse of purpose-driven innovation and technical excellence, serving as both Chief Technical Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The SABERN Group LLC. She is also the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist of Fresh Perspective Publishing Company, where she authored the transformative Healing Autism vBook miniseries.
Certified in Network Systems Support & Communication Technology, Nakisha combines her technical knowledge and foreground experience in tax preparation, accounting, grant writing, nonprofit development, and small business strategy. Her services span branding, website design, marketing, credit repair, court documentation, patient advocacy, and payroll systems setup.
Nakisha also spent 13 years at Vista Maria’s Sisters of the Good Shepherd, serving as a youth coach, counselor, tutor, and aide for at-risk girls impacted by abuse, trauma, and trafficking. Her deep compassion and resilience shaped her mission to lead others from brokenness to healing.
Grounded in faith, Nakisha is a humble vessel of GOD, led by the HOLY SPIRIT, committed to guiding others toward divine wholeness while upholding excellence in every business endeavor. Her work is a fusion of purpose, professionalism, and powerful restoration.
Sponsored By
ENDORSEMENTS
Kina Little,
Kina's Krazy Kreations Restaurant in Eatonton,GA
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nicole Hudgins for her invaluable assistance with my grant funding. Her dedication and support made a significant difference in my journey. Nicole's kindness and beautiful personality truly shine through, making her not just a remarkable professional, but also an exceptional person. Thank you, Nicole!
Kina's Kommunity Konnect, Community Needs and Resources and Veterans Program, Eatonton, GA
What We Do
We deliver end-to-end organizational infrastructure and program development services that help leaders:
- Legally structure and launch their organizations
- Design high-impact, fundable programs (150–350+ pages)
- Build strategic, sustainable systems for long-term growth
- Develop, train, and align effective boards of directors
- Navigate compliance with HIPAA, fiduciary, privacy, and partnership standards
- Get funding-ready through grant templates, capital plans, and funder outreach strategy
Whether you're applying for your first grant or scaling your community programs, we architect the full path forward — structure, strategy, systems, and all.
Connect with Our Skilled Team
Nicole Hudgins
Founder
Herman Starks
Chief Executive Officer
Catreese Qualls
Chief Communications Officer
Nakisha Hudgins
Chief Financial Officer Chief Technical Officer
What Sets Us Apart
Clients don’t just hire us — they call us their Powerhouse Partner because of the transformation they experience.
Comprehensive, Custom Solutions
We don’t offer templates. We create tailored, enterprise-grade systems for each client, designed to align with your unique mission, impact model, and funder expectations.
COO-Level Strategy for Grassroots & Growth-Stage Orgs
From legal compliance to board governance and SOPs, we provide the kind of insight and execution that most organizations only access through expensive consulting firms — but with the agility and personal touch of a trusted partner.
Unmatched Work Ethic & Delivery
In just six months, we've designed 10+ full-scale custom programs and guided numerous clients through full formation, development, and funding preparation. We’re known for being responsive, thorough, and results-driven.
Personal Brand Statement:
I am the powerhouse behind the scenes — building scalable, fundable, and compliant organizations from the ground up. As a Business Infrastructure & Program Development Specialist, I don’t just create programs — I architect ecosystems. From legal formation to board training, from custom 250+ page program designs to grant readiness and strategic scaling — I partner with purpose-driven leaders to transform vision into operational reality. My work delivers not just results, but resilience, positioning every client to lead, grow, and leave lasting impact with confidence.
We're Accessible, Relationship-Focused, and Mission-Driven
Our Edge: • We’re building true partnerships, not just selling services. • Clients feel seen, supported, and heard. • Our process is collaborative and hands-on, not distant or robotic. • We care about their impact, not just their invoice.
Initial Complimentary Consultation
Book Appointment
Tailored to maximize your business success.