About Us
Cepham + Cypress — United by Purpose
A Thousand Plus was born from a conversation, but more importantly, from a shared conviction.
Cypress Minerals has long operated as a business for good — dedicating over 30 years to causes that uplift human health and dignity. Including being the main supporter for Wings of Hope Rescue Home, a safe haven for vulnerable girls in Nairobi, Kenya for the last seven years.
Cepham, with deep roots in Africa, has been actively involved in empowering communities through education, nutrition, and vocational training.
A Thousand Plus was born from a conversation, but more importantly, from a shared conviction.
Cypress Minerals has long operated as a business for good — dedicating over 30 years to causes that uplift human health and dignity. Including being the main supporter for Wings of Hope Rescue Home, a safe haven for vulnerable girls in Nairobi, Kenya for the last seven years.
Cepham, with deep roots in Africa, has been actively involved in empowering communities through education, nutrition, and vocational training. When leaders from both companies connected in 2025 to discuss women’s health, the conversation quickly turned to Wings of Hope.
What followed wasn’t just a strategic partnership — it was a heartfelt decision to do more.
Moved by a common desire to create lasting impact beyond their products and portfolios, Cepham and Cypress came together to form A Thousand Plus — a nonprofit initiative aimed at changing the trajectory of underserved women and children around the world.
Backed by their founders and leadership teams, they committed to building something greater than themselves. This is where their journey began — and where they now invite the rest of the industry to join in.
When leaders from both companies connected in 2025 to discuss women’s health, the conversation quickly turned to Wings of Hope.
What followed wasn’t just a strategic partnership — it was a heartfelt decision to do more.
Moved by a common desire to create lasting impact beyond their products and portfolios, Cepham and Cypress came together to form A Thousand Plus — a nonprofit initiative aimed at changing the trajectory of underserved women and children around the world.
Backed by their founders and leadership teams, they committed to building something greater than themselves. This is where their journey began — and where they now invite the rest of the industry to join in.
Our Brand, Visualized
Our logo is more than just a symbol — it’s a visual reflection of who we are and what we stand for.
The tagline — People • Passion • Purpose • Progress — captures the essence of A Thousand Plus. Each word represents a core value, while the dots between them symbolize a continuous, connected journey — intentional, evolving, and always moving forward.
The bold, modern design of the logo conveys strength and momentum. Its circular forms evoke unity, collaboration, and growth. It’s a design that reflects who we are — and where we’re going.
Honoring Our Founder and
the Heart Behind A Thousand Plus
Paul A. Willis
Founder & Honorary President
Paul is the Founder of Cypress Minerals and the nonprofit A Thousand Plus. Cypress Minerals is dedicated to improving the lives of underserved women and children globally. With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, Paul pioneered the development of Resilient Minerals—fermented, food-form minerals that support optimal bioavailability and human resilience. A lifelong entrepreneur, Paul’s journey began in animal nutrition, which eventually led him to acquire and build Cypress Minerals into a leading global supplier of mineral ingredients for dietary supplements, functional foods, beverages, and animal nutrition. His flagship product, SelenoExcell®, played a groundbreaking role in the National Cancer Institute-funded Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial.
Paul’s heart is rooted in philanthropy. He founded A Thousand Plus to address critical issues such as HIV/AIDS, maternal malnutrition, and women’s economic empowerment in under-resourced global communities. The organization that brings the most joy to Paul’s heart is Wings of Hope Rescue Home in Nairobi, Kenya. It provides shelter and care for vulnerable girls and their babies. Paul’s legacy is grounded in faith, family, and a deep belief in the power of business to spark positive change. He is a proud father of three sons and a grandfather to seven, and finds joy in the outdoors—especially fishing.
In addition to founding Cypress Minerals, Paul A. Willis also planted the seed that would grow into our nonprofit, A Thousand Plus. What began as a deeply personal mission has now become a global movement — one that carries his legacy forward with purpose and love.
A Thousand Plus exists to address some of the most pressing life-sustaining issues in underserved regions of the world: maternal and infant malnutrition, childhood stunting, the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS, and the economic empowerment of women. These causes are not just initiatives — they are reflections of decades of Paul’s work and compassion.
Originally launched as JPW3 with a focus on prison ministry and parolee
In addition to founding Cypress Minerals, Paul A. Willis also planted the seed that would grow into our nonprofit, A Thousand Plus. What began as a deeply personal mission has now become a global movement — one that carries his legacy forward with purpose and love.
A Thousand Plus exists to address some of the most pressing life-sustaining issues in underserved regions of the world: maternal and infant malnutrition, childhood stunting, the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS, and the economic empowerment of women. These causes are not just initiatives — they are reflections of decades of Paul’s work and compassion.
Originally launched as JPW3 with a focus on prison ministry and parolee reintegration in California, Paul’s philanthropic vision expanded in 1999 when Cypress Minerals became a business for good. Over time, that mission grew to embrace a wider global need — particularly the critical first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two. That vision inspired the transformation from JPW3 into A Thousand Plus, rooted in the belief that giving a strong start in life builds healthier generations.
Today, A Thousand Plus partners with organizations like Wings of Hope Rescue Home in Nairobi, Kenya — a place of healing, safety, and new beginnings for young girls. These efforts reflect the soul of our founder’s legacy. His DNA is deeply embedded in this work, and his heart continues to guide every life we touch.
reintegration in California, Paul’s philanthropic vision expanded in 1999 when Cypress Minerals became a business for good. Over time, that mission grew to embrace a wider global need — particularly the critical first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two. That vision inspired the transformation from JPW3 into A Thousand Plus, rooted in the belief that giving a strong start in life builds healthier generations.
Today, A Thousand Plus partners with organizations like Wings of Hope Rescue Home in Nairobi, Kenya — a place of healing, safety, and new beginnings for young girls. These efforts reflect the soul of our founder’s legacy. His DNA is deeply embedded in this work, and his heart continues to guide every life we touch.
Meet Our Board
Michelle Martin
President & CEO, A Thousand Plus, Inc. President & COO, Cypress Minerals, Inc.
Michelle is a creative, results-driven leader known for building high-performance teams and driving top-line growth while managing costs and profitability. She stays closely attuned to shifting economies, emerging technologies, evolving mindsets, and the operational challenges posed by evolving government policies.
With over three decades of experience as a devoted health and wellness consumer, Michelle is proud to work in an industry that aligns with her personal values. Her diverse career, spanning multiple industries and entrepreneurship, has broadened her perspective and sharpened her leadership skills.
Michelle finds her greatest fulfillment in serving mission-driven organizations. In addition to her leadership at Cypress, she is a board member of Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) and the President & CEO of A Thousand Plus. Her work is guided by purpose, excellence, and a deep commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable world.
Sameer Joshi
CFO & Secretary, A Thousand Plus, Inc.
COO & CCO, Cepham, Inc.
Sameer Joshi brings over two decades of cross-industry leadership, with more than 10 years dedicated to advancing the dietary supplement industry. As a key executive at Cepham, he oversees global business operations, spearheads growth across international markets, and leads strategic partnerships. Sameer plays a vital role in shaping the company’s direction, guiding U.S. operations and leading sales, marketing, and product management teams with purpose and precision.
His experience has made him a true global business leader and a powerful advocate for equity & wellness. Rooted in a legacy of service and shaped by family ties to Africa, Sameer is deeply committed to creating a healthier and just world. His work with nonprofits, as both a founder and board member, reflects his lifelong dedication to making a meaningful impact. His financial acumen and commitment to governance align seamlessly with the needs and mission of A Thousand Plus.
Gillian Fish
Board Director & PR Director, A Thousand Plus, Inc.
Founder & CEO, The 6AM Agency
Gillian Fish is the Founder and CEO of The 6AM Agency, an award-winning business PR, growth, and communications consultancy specializing in evidence-based health and nutraceuticals. With offices across Australia, Asia, and Europe, Gillian has led some of the most successful B2B and B2C campaigns in the natural products industry. A former magazine editor and published author, she is widely recognized as one of APAC’s leading voices in health-focused business strategy and is a frequent contributor to global conferences and journals.
Driven by a lifelong purpose to uplift others and foster equity, Gillian is a founding member and 2024 Heroine Award recipient of Women in Nutraceuticals. She actively volunteers with multiple nonprofits and believes in combining kindness with a growth mindset to build strong, purpose-led brands. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, Gillian’s personal history fuels her passion for unlocking human potential and advancing global wellbeing across all life stages.
Josphat Kageni
Board Director, A Thousand Plus, Inc.
Lead Designer, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Josphat is the founder and lead designer at a bespoke furniture business, where he crafts high-quality, custom pieces tailored to his clients’ unique needs. A multi-disciplinary creative, his passion extends beyond design to visual storytelling, with a focus on documentary photography. Josphat’s dedication to capturing impactful narratives aligns with his belief in the power of stories to inspire change.
A graduate of United States International University-Africa, Josphat’s professional journey took him to Canada, where he worked for six years with a charity focused on supporting vulnerable children. His experiences there fueled a deep-rooted commitment to advocating for children in need, a cause he continues to support today through his volunteer work with Wings of Hope Rescue Home. Through this platform, he remains a crucial link to both Wings of Hope and A Thousand Plus, helping to bridge efforts that uplift marginalized communities.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Josphat lives with his wife and son, balancing his creative endeavors with a heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
