Meet the Team

More than a Team -
A Coalition for Change

At One Check Away Inc., we don’t just hire talent—we rally advocates, innovators, and relentless problem-solvers who believe no one should be one check away from despair. Our team blends lived experience, frontline expertise, and systemic vision to power Check Coast, Check Haven, and Check Ahead - closing the gap between crisis and stability, one community at a time.

Guided by our CHECK values (Compassion, Health Equity, Empowerment, Collaboration, Knowledge-Informed Action), we’re rewriting the rules of prevention—one community, one family, one life at a time.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

From One Check Away to Unshakable Hope

Michelle Paul

A disabled U.S. Army veteran and survivor of life’s hardest choices, Michelle founded OCAI on a simple truth: crisis is preventable, not inevitable. Her journey—from being one check away from crises to leading a national movement—fuels her refusal to accept systems that fail the most vulnerable.

“My grandmother taught me that a hot meal and a listening ear can change a life. We’re scaling that truth into a revolution.”

Why She Leads:

Lived Experience: Survived housing instability, health crises, and the "one check away" reality
Systems Disruptor: Built OCAI’s grassroots-to-policy model from scratch
Faith in Action: Believes in hope “the size of a mustard seed” and action that moves mountains.

Chief Administrative Officer, One Check Away

Chief Executive Officer, Check Coast

The Architect Behind the Mission

Darrick T. Paul

A strategist with 30+ years transforming chaos into systems that work, Darrick ensures OCAI’s engine runs with military precision and compassionate accountability. From mediating federal labor disputes to safeguarding patient privacy for 100,000+ employees, he bridges boardroom rigor and street-level urgency.

“Dignity isn’t negotiable. Whether designing HR policies or housing programs, we build solutions that respect the human in every equation.”

Why He Builds:

Public Health Strategist: CDC advisor for HIV/STD/TB prevention
Coalition Catalyst: Forges partnerships with governments, donors, and communities
Veteran’s Resolve: U.S. Army-trained leader who never leaves a team member behind.

SVP of Community Impact & Governance

Chair, Academic Scholarship Committee

Mildred Brown

A compassionate strategist who heals systems as she healed patients, Mildred Brown blends clinical wisdom with governance excellence to drive OCAI’s mission.

"I measure impact by shelves filled and shelves emptied—because every book taken is a life changed."

Why She Guides Us:

Healer’s Insight: "From VA wards to boardrooms, I’ve learned real change treats root causes, not symptoms."
Lifelong Learner: Earned her LPN while balancing family responsibilities, later mentoring nursing students
The Mildred Principle: "Education is the master key—whether it’s a child’s first book or a veteran’s new chapter."