Malobi Achike Owner of DEI Directive

Steven Lewis • March 11, 2019

In 2020, Malobi Achike was in a demanding corporate position that required a lot of travel. She was ready for a change, but she was unsure of what her next step should be.

When the pandemic hit, travel stopped and work-from-home started. Balancing two children and remote work expedited her decision – Malobi put in her two weeks’ notice.

And then, the news about George Floyd broke. “I was in this two-week window, so my schedule wasn’t as heavily booked as it normally would be. I was actually really able to be present and absorb the news.”

The Tuesday following Floyd’s murder was Blackout Tuesday – a viral effort to pause business and publicly stand up to racism and inequality, with many businesses posting a black tile to their social media feeds.

“The Tuesday after was really the day that was very pivotal for me,” Malobi explained that it was good to see the support, but she knew the Blackout Tuesday effort would not result in any real impact.

She wondered, “What happens when we lift that veil? If I look at your organization, what are the dynamics? What are the conditions? What are the policies? What are the practices? Are those practices fair to the same group that you are publicly supporting through this black tile?”

That was the impetus for starting DEI Directive.

DEI Directive is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion technology firm. This B2B SaaS application is designed to help people who have been mandated with improving the DEI health of their organizations to make data-informed decisions that result in real impact.

Most organizations look at gender, race, and ethnic breakdown, but there is so much other rich information that can help leaders understand the DEI culture of their organization. DEI Directive helps diversity officers collect, standardize, and connect all of that information on their platform.

“[Diversity officers] are typically given this huge mandate and they typically don’t have a tool – technology or data insights – to be able to manage that process. In fact, only about 35% of organizations track DEI data, and most of the people who are doing it are doing it manually.”

Malobi likened the process to go to the doctor. Only when the problem is properly diagnosed can you start treating it.

When DEI data is accessible it makes it possible to holistically assess the status quo at the organization and to specifically diagnose what the issues are. Equipped with an understanding of what’s happening internally, companies can devise a targeted strategy that has a chance of working in the long run.

The NC IDEA grant funding awarded to DEI Directive will be used for software expansion and development that will enable the company to grow and have a greater impact.

To learn more about how DEI Directive can help your organization improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit www.deidirective.com or connect via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/dei-directive.

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Cohort 11: A New Journey Begins

By Rachel Rowell • August 27, 2025

Last week, we gathered in a room full of dreamers, builders, and visionaries to launch Cohort 11 of The Boost Pad . It was more than just a kickoff—it was the beginning of a journey that will shape businesses, communities, and lives. From the very first moments, the energy in the room full of leaders was undeniable. We opened the evening by asking each participant to share their one word why. One word to capture the heart behind their decision to step into this cohort. Words like freedom, stability, legacy, and impact filled the space, and in that moment, it became clear: every person in the room was carrying more than a business idea. They were carrying a vision for a better future—for themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s what The Boost Pad is all about. Our mission is to equip emerging and under-resourced entrepreneurs with the strategic guidance and support needed to develop innovative solutions, build sustainable enterprises, and advance economic mobility through the Charlotte region and beyond. Our vision is bigger than business—it’s about creating lasting impact, raising up leaders, and fueling change that ripples far outside the walls where we meet. Learning to Show Up Joan guided the cohort into a powerful reflection: What does success look like for you in one year? Not in abstract terms, but in the real numbers, rhythms, and outcomes that build a sustainable future. It was an honest reminder that success isn’t just about profit margins—it’s about creating lives that align with purpose. Finding Your Voice Rachel then challenged participants to distill their dreams into a single minute. The elevator pitch—a story of vision, clarity, and courage—proved to be both harder and more rewarding than it sounds. Some pitches stumbled, some soared, but all became stepping stones toward confidence. As one participant bravely stood and shared their pitch with the group, you could feel the room lean in. Their story mattered. Every story mattered. Building Like a Boss Charles brought the teaching for the evening, equipping participants with the words, mindset, and financial literacy to begin thinking—and speaking—like entrepreneurs. He reminded everyone that leadership is not about titles, but about courage, stewardship, and the willingness to take ownership of a vision. Looking Ahead Finally, Steven closed the night by grounding the cohort in practical steps forward. Each participant set a SMART goal for the week—a small, intentional action to move closer to their dream. Because transformation never happens all at once. It comes one decision, one step, one act of courage at a time. And so, Cohort 11 has begun. Over the next several weeks, these entrepreneurs will grow, stretch, and prepare for Pitch Night—the moment when their vision takes center stage. But more than a presentation, Pitch Night is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the belief that when one person rises, entire communities rise with them. At The Boost Pad, we hold tightly to our core values: community, empowerment, innovation, and integrity . Cohort 11 embodies each one. Together, we are not just building businesses. We are building lives, spaces, and legacies that will last. Join the Journey We invite you to follow along as Cohort 11 unfolds. Each week, we’ll share stories, lessons, and milestones from this inspiring group of entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn an idea into a movement—or if you’re searching for the courage to take your own first step—you’ll find it here. Because at The Boost Pad, we believe entrepreneurship is not just about making a living. It’s about making a difference. If you'd like to get involved with the Boost Pad as a volunteer, board member, Cohort participant or donor, please visit us here.