Linda Michaels Grubers : Founder & Chairperson

I am Linda Michaels Gruber, Founder and Chairperson of the MDP Senior Caucus.

I am a lifelong democrat and a South Lyon resident. For almost 40 years, I was the owner of Case Management Plus, working as a rehabilitation counselor, case manager, life care planner and forensic expert. In those capacities, I served adults and children with traumatic brain and neurologic injuries. Before starting this company, I was an educator in the public schools, and a counselor in private rehabilitation. I have been actively involved in the Brain Injury Association of Michigan since its inception, as a board member and adviser. For ten years, I also was a member and the chair of the Governor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities. I received a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College and a master’s degree from Michigan State University.

We have five adult children and six grandchildren.
I love baking and cooking for family and friends, gardening and reading. My husband, Fred Gruber, who is an attorney and child advocate, loves my chocolate chip cookies. He is also a Senior Caucus member.

Rogelio J. Landin : Vice Chair

Born in Detroit, educated in public schools, Rogelio Landin has committed his life to directly and indirectly improving the quality of life for the disadvantaged. He continues to strive for excellence in all that he endeavors, consistently applying this commitment to the areas of Education, Employment and Economic Development. In each of these disciplines he is credited with a series of firsts; creating, initiating and generating systems, policy, process and procedures that have served to advance paradigm shifts, effectively promoting and advancing change.

In Education, he responded to a call from educators to provide a resource equity solution inclusive of an e-book ecosystem, cultural competency & restorative justice professional development training, device w/access and behavioral wellness programs designed to increase literacy and math proficiencies while also being reflective of the diversity found in urban communities. His solution was selected for presentation to the 2021 National Title I conference. These resources have proven to have a profound relevance in providing a culturally competent context to the educational experience. PerformancED is the first minority owned enterprise to have been granted a national partnership with the National Head Start Association and to be approved for membership in the Educational Book and Media Association. He served on the Achievement Gap Critical Friends Workgroup for the MI Department of Education to develop a state plan for closing achievement gaps. He served as Chairman of the Board for Matrix Human Services providing strategic leadership in winning the largest 0-5 Early Head Start pilot research grant in the nation, $150 million

Ellynn (Lynn) Brouwers : Secretary (6)

A resident of Superior Charter Township near Ann Arbor, Lynn is a retired neuroscience director and rehabilitation counselor. She devoted 40 years leading in hospitals, health systems, and community-based medical rehabilitation programs. As a volunteer, Lynn advocated by serving as the government relations chair and president for her trade association and by facilitating a support group for individuals and their families living with the impact of disability.

Lynn additionally worked as an international medical rehabilitation accreditation surveyor. Lynn is a wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver for her mothers (now 97 and 100). Lynn, a lifelong democrat, stays very active with gardening on her 4 acre “farm”, fiber arts, consulting, and traveling the world with her husband and fellow senior caucus member Mark Upfal. She has served as the treasurer and currently is secretary for the senior caucus. She is passionate about voter’s rights and standing against ageism.

Peggy Raddatz : Treasurer (2)

I have been on the Executive Board of the Manistee County Democratic Party, in some capacity, for the past 25 years. I no longer serve on the Executive Board but remain a member of the Leadership Team. In addition, I currently serve as an Officer of the MDP Senior Caucus, the MDP Rural Caucus, the MI Rural PAC, the Rural Michigan Action Alliance, and the Lakeside Club of Manistee County.

I served this last campaign cycle as Treasurer for four State Representative Candidates. I’d like to say here that this State needs to train more people in Campaign Finance so they can be Treasurers for candidates. Such people are few and far between!

My husband and I reside in rural Mason County but associate ourselves with the City of Manistee in Manistee County. My husband, a retired school superintendent, raises heritage turkeys for his business, Bourbon Red Heritage Farms. I keep the books for the business.

Connie R. Mitchell : Voting Rights Committee Chair (12)

A resident of Inkster, Connie is a retired educator, adjunct professor, and university lecturer. She gave 36 years of service to the Detroit Public Schools as a classroom teacher and central office administrator. Her joy in life is now community service. She serves through Alpha Kappa Sorority, The Inkster Task Force, Top Ladies of Distinction, Friends of the Leanna Hicks Public Library, and the Inkster Democratic Club.

Connie has held several city positions and has served on many community boards. These activities include Wayne County Airport Authority Noise Study Committee, Inkster Public Schools Board of Education, City of Inkster Councilwoman, and Inkster Charter Commissioner in 2016. Her interest in social justice issues prompted her to join the LWV Dearborn-Dearborn Heights in 2015, subsequently serving on the Board. Connie loves gardening and traveling and has created the “Children’s Learning Garden” and a neighborhood “Little Free Library” which sits on an expanse of city property across from her home.

Mary M. Hall-Rayford : Communications Committee Chair (10)

After obtaining a BA in Sociology and English from Wayne State University, Mary decided she wanted her teacher’s certificate and continued at Wayne State until a master’s in teaching was obtained in English and Speech. She kept moving forward until completion of coursework towards a Ph.D. but reconsidered the path she was taking. Not seeing teaching as viable career, she got involved in politics and engaged in activism.

She has been active in various charitable organizations and has pursued politic office—a city council seat (did not make it), now sits on the Eastpointe Community School as a Trustee and is actively pursuing a seat as mayor in Eastpointe (2023 Primary Election cycle).

Mary is currently representing the 10th Congressional District in Macomb County on the Michigan Democratic Party Senior Caucus as chair of the Communication Committee.

Ruby D. Richards : Communications Committee Co-Chair (12)

I was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. I’ve been a resident in the City of Westland for 14 years. Within that time, I’ve become a member/trustee of the Westland Democratic Club, a precinct delegate (Precinct 20), on the Westland Planning Commission, Secretary of the Western Wayne County NAACP. I was appointed Chairperson by the Westland Election Commission. I’m a member of the Michigan Democratic Party and MDP Senior Caucus as well as a Friend of the Westland Public Library volunteer and I also volunteer at different events within the community. At my job, I’m co-chair of AM General’s first women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) W.I.S.D.O.M, Women in Self-Development On a Mission.

I’m a very compassionate person who loves life, family, and GOD. I love listening to jazz. I’m happy, grateful and take full accountability for my life. I’m growing into the best version of me.