Advisor Directory
Meet Our Business Advisors
Liza Margolis
“Helping small businesses grow with purpose and passion.”
Liza Margolis is passionate about helping small businesses shine. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, and advertising, she brings unmatched energy and insight to every entrepreneur she supports. Liza’s specialty lies in strategic marketing that fuels growth—helping business owners clarify their message, elevate their brand, and connect with the audiences that matter most.
A successful entrepreneur herself, Liza knows firsthand what it takes to turn big dreams into thriving ventures. She’s especially committed to empowering women business owners in the U.S. Virgin Islands, equipping them with the tools and confidence to grow and succeed.
Through mentorship, workshops, and community partnerships, Liza continues to build a vibrant ecosystem where small businesses can flourish. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and results-driven approach make her a trusted ally for anyone ready to grow their business and make an impact.
Elizabeth "Rael" Reddick
Plan Smart, Stay Curious, and never be afraid to Try.
With over 30 years in finance, Rael brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping businesses thrive. For two decades, Rael served as Chief Financial Officer for a global medical device manufacturer, steering financial strategy and growth across international markets. More recently, Rael has spent the past four years with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on St. Croix, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the nuts and bolts of launching and growing their businesses. From registering and licensing a business, crafting solid business plans to demystifying budgets and building dynamic marketing strategies, Rael loves turning big ideas into real-world success stories. As a small business owner herself, she knows what it means to take a chance on your dream. When it comes to business, Rael’s motto is simple: plan smart, stay curious, and never be afraid to try.
Celia Kalousek
Celia is passionate about helping entrepreneurs “tap their potential” through collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Celia Kalousek is a business consultant, educator, and lifelong learner dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and organizations harness innovation for growth. As owner of Peak Potential, LLC and a facilitator for the VI Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC), Celia specializes in professional development, digital literacy, and workforce advancement across the Virgin Islands.
With over 30 years of experience in business management, community development, and nonprofit leadership—including 10 years as Director of the St. John Community Foundation—she has guided countless small business owners through strategic planning, operational streamlining, and now, the practical use of artificial intelligence to save time, increase productivity, and boost creativity.
Daryl Edwards
Business Counselor & Consultant
Mr. Daryl Edwards is the managing member of Straightpath Consulting, LLC, a business established in 2011 in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. The company offers a wide range of business, personal financial, and career consulting services customized to serve customers’ needs, such as analyzing business ideas, business plan preparation, promotional strategies, developing a personal financial plan, becoming financially secure, getting out of debt, college preparation, etc.
Daryl has counseled clients since 2001 while employed as a Business Counselor and later as a Business Consultant on a contractual basis with the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI-SBDC). He is also a part-time instructor at the University of the Virgin Islands, where he has taught Small Business Management, Introduction to Business, and the Freshman Development Seminar since 2008. Daryl also has taught courses for the VI-SBDC in business plan preparation and managing personal finances.
Daryl’s background includes:
Education
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, concentration in Computer Information Systems – University of the Virgin Islands
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting – University of the Virgin Islands
• Master of Business Administration – University of the Virgin Islands
• Certificate in Personal Financial Planning – Florida State University
Dara M. Cooper
Agribusiness Counselor - Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Center
Dara M. Cooper serves as the Agribusiness Counselor for the Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Center, providing consulting, marketing support, and training to farmers, fishers, food entrepreneurs, and community organizations across the Virgin Islands of the United States. With more than 25 years of business experience, through her company, Conch Shell Media LLC, she brings a foundation and expertise in strategic communication, teaching, technology, creative problem-solving and research. 20 years as an Agriculture Communications Specialist at the University of the Virgin Islands and with the USDA further strengthened her knowledge in capacity building within the agricultural sector.
Dara supports clients with guidance on funding, marketing, and operational maintenance, helping them navigate opportunities for growth and resilience. As a native Virgin Islander, she is a dedicated advocate for sustainable business and local food development through community-centered agricultural advancement, using her interdisciplinary background to empower agribusinesses and strengthen the territory’s food system.