LOHM Leadership
Michele M. Mercado-Ruiz
Michele M. Mercado-Ruiz - Founder, President & CEO
Michele is a devoted woman of God, and has a deep desire and passion to help women, mothers and youth. Mrs. Mercado-Ruiz is the founder and leader of the Light of Hope Ministries. Michele feels very strongly that in order to make right choices we must be wise women. Michele’s hope is for others to walk in peace in the middle of the storm, to make wise decisions so as not to continue to be lost and walk in darkness, but instead, have the true knowledge of God and to walk righteously with our Lord and Savior and to become a blessing to others, and to live with joy, light, hope and victory. Michele was born and raised in New Britain,Connecticut and currently resides in Windsor, Connecticut with her husband Nelson, daughter Keila, and her ever-loving dog, Chloe.
Michele's teachings are motivating and inspirational. Michele speaks and teaches with the unconditional love through God in all areas of the Word to women, adults, youth, marriage/couples. Sample topics include, Love, Obedience, Dealing with Anger, and Forgiveness.
Michele is also a voting member of the Region 6 Advisory Council (RAC) for New Britain. RAC's purpose is to advise the Department of Children & Families' Commissioner on the development and delivery of of regional services.
Click here to Request Michele as a guest speaker for your group or event.
Michele is a devoted woman of God, and has a deep desire and passion to help women, mothers and youth. Mrs. Mercado-Ruiz is the founder and leader of the Light of Hope Ministries. Michele feels very strongly that in order to make right choices we must be wise women. Michele’s hope is for others to walk in peace in the middle of the storm, to make wise decisions so as not to continue to be lost and walk in darkness, but instead, have the true knowledge of God and to walk righteously with our Lord and Savior and to become a blessing to others, and to live with joy, light, hope and victory. Michele was born and raised in New Britain,Connecticut and currently resides in Windsor, Connecticut with her husband Nelson, daughter Keila, and her ever-loving dog, Chloe.
Michele's teachings are motivating and inspirational. Michele speaks and teaches with the unconditional love through God in all areas of the Word to women, adults, youth, marriage/couples. Sample topics include, Love, Obedience, Dealing with Anger, and Forgiveness.
Michele is also a voting member of the Region 6 Advisory Council (RAC) for New Britain. RAC's purpose is to advise the Department of Children & Families' Commissioner on the development and delivery of of regional services.
Click here to Request Michele as a guest speaker for your group or event.
Jean Heather Buckwell
Jean Heather Buckwell - Co-Founder and Vice President
With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world in various industries, Jean has also been called to work in the industry of faith, love, and hope. She often says she now takes direction and works alongside the most powerful President, CEO, and Chairman; God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Jean's past as an avid long distance runner, has included completing eight marathons. Not only has she learned how to train physically to gain endurance to complete 26.2 miles of running, but also discovered strength, power and endurance from within to get through life's inevitable challenges. Through the discovery of the power of Christ in her own life, Jean's passion is to help women find their full potential physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jean is dedicated to her calling and the vision and mission of Light of Hope Ministries.
Jean is a native of San Diego, California, but has called Connecticut her home for the last 23 years. She currently resides in New Britain with her husband David and together they have four grown children, Stephen, Kevin, Lindsay, and James.
With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world in various industries, Jean has also been called to work in the industry of faith, love, and hope. She often says she now takes direction and works alongside the most powerful President, CEO, and Chairman; God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Jean's past as an avid long distance runner, has included completing eight marathons. Not only has she learned how to train physically to gain endurance to complete 26.2 miles of running, but also discovered strength, power and endurance from within to get through life's inevitable challenges. Through the discovery of the power of Christ in her own life, Jean's passion is to help women find their full potential physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jean is dedicated to her calling and the vision and mission of Light of Hope Ministries.
Jean is a native of San Diego, California, but has called Connecticut her home for the last 23 years. She currently resides in New Britain with her husband David and together they have four grown children, Stephen, Kevin, Lindsay, and James.