Island Girl Rich Mission
To Empower women entrepreneurs to rise beyond survival mode and create rich, fulfilling, and sustainable lives through strategic mentorship, community collaboration, and actionable business strategies.
Our BackstoryThe Radiant Women behind the Movement
Dr. Khnuma Simmonds
Founder | CEO | Entrepreneur | Girlfriendism | My Girlfriend’s Closet |SoKh Caribbean Dance Fitness
As the Founder and CEO of Girlfriendism International and Owner of My Girlfriend’s Closet and SoKh Caribbean Dance Fitness, Dr. Khnuma is a full-time mompreneur who enjoys marrying her passions for entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Through Girlfriendism, she advocates for women’s empowerment through fashion, fitness, business, wellness, travel and philanthropy and also, incorporates her role as a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault to further advocate for and support survivors as the Executive Director of H.O.P.E. Incorporated - the nonprofit sector of Girlfriendism which is a project of the St. Croix Foundation.
The work of Girlfriendism has been featured in St. Croix Magazine, V.I. Consortium, V.I. Daily News, St. Croix Avis, Voyage Minnesota and numerous others throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and nationally and she has also been named as one of the top ten Disruptors of 2022 by Disruptors Magazine!
In 2022, she also embarked on her first international Girlfriendism Retreat in Greece with 31 women from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, South Carolina, New York and beyond! This monumental experience celebrated eleven years of My Girlfriend’s Closet and two years of the launch of Girlfriendism on August 1st - National Girlfriend Day!
It is through these initiatives and others including The Entrepreneurship Experience, that Khnuma highlights the power of collectivism and the role of women in the growth and success of local and global communities.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Khnuma also served as the Executive Director of he V.I. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) and the former Fiscal Review Coordinator at the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development. She also serves as the Federal Programs Coordinator at the Law Enforcement Planning Commission and as a mental health advocate with Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center where she can engage in the art of empathy, love and compassion for people within her community.
For more information on Dr. Khnuma or her work through Girlfriendism International, please click the link below.
Lia Magras
Founder | Executive Coach | Strategic Visionary | Socio-Economic Empowerment Advocate
Lia A. Magras (née Hibbert) is the dynamic Founder of Lia Magras Coaching & Consulting and the creator of the BadASS Magras Method to Strategic Visioning, a signature framework designed to help entrepreneurs and executives move from clarity to bold execution. She is also the co-founder of Island Girl Rich, a transformational initiative focused on empowering women in the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond to achieve generational wealth through strategic alignment, mindset mastery, and entrepreneurial courage.
Lia currently serves as CEO and Director of Organizational Development at Strategic HRM, LLC, a business consulting and professional services company operating out of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With more than a decade of expertise in compliance (11 years) and nearly a decade in personnel management and business administration (8 years), Lia is a master of aligning human resources, organizational development, and compliance strategies with long-term business goals.
Lia is deeply committed to socio-economic empowerment, leveraging her platforms to uplift underserved communities, facilitate equitable business growth, and foster leadership that is both sustainable and culturally relevant. Through public speaking, coaching, and strategic partnerships, she supports individuals and organizations in shifting from survival mode to sustainable success.
She holds a Master of Science in Natural Resource Management (Human Dimensions track) from the University of the Virgin Islands (2013) and an MBA in Human Resources Management from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also a Certified HIPAA Security Officer, with experience collaborating with private corporations, nonprofits, and both local and federal governments.As an HR Business Partner and Organizational Development expert, Lia guides her clients through comprehensive transition management and planning. She is known for her ability to assess inefficiencies, uncover root challenges, and design strategic, high-impact solutions that promote growth, clarity, and alignment.
Beyond her formal roles, Lia is a thought leader and change agent who embodies resilience, strategic brilliance, and heartfelt community service. Her insights and leadership can be followed through her growing online presence:
TICKET TIERS
ELEVATE PASS EARLY BIRD TICKET - 3 MONTH PLAN
Ready to Rise & Thrive?
Indulge in a transformative escape where dreams get bigger, connections get stronger & elegance meets empowerment!
We are all about Freedom, Fun & Fierce ambition — On your Terms!
Perks Include:
Breakfast & Lunch
Access to all general retreat workshops
Participation in interactive sessions
Island Girl Rich SWAG Bag
Retreat Workbook & Entrepreneurial Toolkit
Pay Your Way:
Secure your spot today with 4 equal installments, 0% interest, and no extra fees. Because walking in purpose shouldn’t come with pressure.
V.I.P LIMITLESS PASS
One Time Payment Ticket
Join the Ultimate Rich Island Girl experience designed for the Limitless Woman!
Awaken your potential, expand your vision, and step into the life you deserve.
This is Luxury, Wealth & Success — curated just for You!
Perks Include:
Everything in the Elevate Pass PLUS:
Upgraded VIP SWAG Bag with exclusive products
Exclusive Wellness services
Priority seating & VIP recognition at all events
VIP Party bus tour - A high-energy celebration of the Island Girl Rich movement’s anniversary and our cofounders' birthdays, all in one unforgettable ride.
Post retreat VIP Mastermind Session
with Lia Magras & Dr. Khnuma Dubya
Ready to go all in?
Save over $300 instantly when you choose the one-time payment option!
More abundance, fewer steps.
Recommended Accommodations Partner
For a truly rich retreat experience, we highly recommend booking your stay with our Official Accommodations Partner, The Hideaway Hull Bay.
Tucked away on the lush north side of St. Thomas, The Hideaway offers serenity, soul, and style, Island Girl Rich style!
Exclusive Offer for IGR Attendees:Enjoy a 20% discount on your stay at The Hideaway, Hull Bay when booking directly on their website.
Recommended Reservation Dates:
October 10–13, 2025
Discount validity: October 8–15, 2025
Booking Deadline: October 9, 2025
Discount Code: ISLANDGIRLRICH
Spaces are limited! Secure your spot today!
Featured Forces of Transformation
Lia Magras - Founder and CEO of Strategic HRM and Lia Magras Coaching & Consulting, she is committed to helping leaders rise with intention.
Whether she’s coaching clients through transformation or building systems that support legacy and leadership, Lia leads with heart, alignment, and unshakable faith in what’s possible.
Lia is Island Girl Rich— grounded in grace, rising in power, and moving with purpose.
LIA MAGRAS
IGR Co-founder
Dr. Khnuma Simmonds - Founder and CEO of Girlfriendism International, she is a movement-maker rooted in purpose, power, and unapologetic feminine energy.
Through Girlfriendism, and IGR, she’s helped create platforms where Caribbean women rise boldly and richly on their own terms.
Dr. Khnuma is Island Girl Rich—a visionary, a truth-teller, a legacy-maker. and the reason so many of us now know we are too.
DR. KHNUMA SIMMONDS
IGR Co-founder
Connie Linday - Founder of Vivid Realty, a powerhouse real estate agent, she turns dreams into addresses and purpose into property.
As a broker, legacy builder, and champion for generational wealth, she is redefining what ownership looks like for women who lead with intention.
Connie is Island Girl Rich— bold, confident, full of hustle, and committed to elevating others, and living vividly every step of the way.
Connie Lindsay
Realtor
Julianna Gardner - Founder of Inner Sanctum Wellness and a certified Personal Coach in Stressology, she is dedicated to helping others release stress and restore balance.
Her journey began with a personal transformation—losing over 100 pounds and reclaiming her well-being, which ignited her passion for guiding others through healing.
Julianna is Island Girl Rich— rooted, radiant, and rising with purpose.
Julianna Gardner
Personal Coach
Sonii Koetter - A licensed mortgage loan office and financial educator, passionate about helping first-time homeowners and entrepreneurs build wealth through real estate, making the process clear, accessible, and empowering.
Sonii is Island Girl Rich— anchored in purpose, service, and the belief that financial freedom is possible for all.
Sonii Koetter
Mortage Loan Officer & Financial Educator
Maudiana John-Baptiste - Founder of Caribbean Owl, she is a certified counselor, and educator, helping clients move from surviving to thriving.
As an Intuitive and Wellness Coach, she blends psychology and Afro-Caribbean spirituality to guide others toward healing and empowerment.
Maudiana is Island Girl Rich— walking in truth, leading with spirit, and styling life the Afro-Caribbean way.
Maudiana John-Baptiste
Wellness Coach, Educator & Writer
Amber Alexander - A job developer, community builder, and serial entrepreneur dedicated to creating access where it’s needed most.
She leads youth-centered nonprofits 340 Young Entrepreneurs and 340 BATS Academy, and owns Posh Boutique and Mystique Promotion.
She is a proud mother of two and future doctoral candidate.
Amber is Island Girl Rich— limitless in potential, and aligned with purpose.
Amber Alexander
Serial Entrepreneur
Come Play with Us
What to Expect
October 11–12, 2025 | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Presented by
Lia Magras Coaching & Consulting × Girlfriendism International
Dress Code:
Day 1: All white professional wear
Day 2: All white Caribbean elegant
Platinum Sponsor: TBA
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast Light refreshments served. Participants meet and connect.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks Centering/Breathwork exercise outside/poolside facilitated by Maudiana John Baptiste (5 min)
Speaker: Lia Magras and Dr. K
Overview of retreat goals and activities as well as housekeeping Introduce women supporting and being empowered throughout the world–the IGR virtual team (Nylyn (Philippines), and Yvonne (Kenya))
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Workshop 1
Navigating the Territory’s Business Landscape
Presenters: Lia Magras
Topics: Understanding local regulations, navigating funding opportunities, and overcoming common process challenges for starting and operating.
Provision of VI Entrepreneurial Toolkit
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Coffee Break
10:10 AM – 12:10 PM
Panel Discussion: Rich Island Girls Talk Thriving Featuring Lia Magras and Dr. Khnuma Dubya as Facilitators.
Panel Members: Connie Lindsay, Amber Alexander, Sonii Koetter, Julie Gardner, Maudiana John Baptiste
Panel of diverse women entrepreneurs from the Territory and with Caribbean background for socio-cultural relevance.
Focus: Sharing strategies, lessons learned, and inspiration.
12:10PM - 1:10PM
Lunch and Real Estate Investment Session.
Catered lunch (plated) and a presentation by Connie Lindsay and Sonii Koetter on Real Estate Investment strategies for financial freedom and assets to support business growth applicable to USVI and Georgia/stateside.
1:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Workshop 2
Branding and Marketing for the Local Market and Beyond
Presenters: Branding/Marketing strategists Julie Gardner
Topics: Branding identity and authenticity (including embodying your brand), traditional and contemporary marketing, social media strategies, and local and extended market insights.
2:30 PM – 2:40 PM
Coffee Break with Snacks
2:40 PM – 4 PM
Workshop 3
Creating Resilient Business Systems.
Facilitators: Lia Magras
Topics: Risk taking in business, reducing vulnerability building efficient systems, delegation, and leveraging technology/ai and digital innovation.
4 PM – 5 PM
Rich Island Girl Awards Ceremony Celebrating Caribbean women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Honoring 2025 award recipients across 8 categories Networking & photo opportunities
5PM- 5:30 PM
Closing Remarks and Preview of Day 2
Facilitator: Lia Magras and Dr. Khnuma Dubya
6pm-9pm
VIP only Party Bus—Celebrating Rich Island Girl Cofounders’ Birthdays (Lia on Oct 13 and Dr. K on Oct 31 as well as the 1st Birthday of Island Girl Rich (Oct 10)
Food sponsored by Chef Taj of Buddha Sushi
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Light Breakfast and Networking
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Welcome Meditation led by Dr. Khnuma Dubya followed by IGR Beyond Survival Dance session by Dr. Khnuma Dubya.
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Self-Care for Entrepreneurs: Creating Sustainable Wellness Practices
*Mimosas available throughout the session as long as supplies last.
*Light Lunch 12-1pm
Facilitators: Wellness Service Providers, Julie Gardner of Inner Sanctum Wellness, Maudiana John-Baptiste of Caribbean Owl
Dr. Khnuma Dubya provides a brief overview on holistic wellness activities offered today.
Concurrent Experiences:
Wellness Service Providers:
Includes a mini-spa experience or therapeutic services.
Inner Sanctum Wellness:
Mini-Workshop on Healthy eating, stressology exercise and tea sampling with explanations of healthy properties.
Caribbean Owl:
Spiritual wellness affirmation readings and Goddess embodiment practices.
2:30 PM – 5 PM
Mix and Mingle, IGR dance workshop, Closing Ceremony and Takeaways –Mimosas and Desserts by Harmonic Delights
Facilitators: Lia Magras and Dr. Khnuma Dubya
Meet our Sponsors
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Sponsor Spotlight: Chef Ashley of Jubilee by Yaadie
Explore Jubilee by YaadieWe’re honored to spotlight Chef Ashley Ellis, owner of Jubilee by Yaadie in St. Croix and the official culinary partner of the Island Girl Rich Retreat.
Chef Ashley is a true island visionary, blending Caribbean soul, culture, and creativity into every unforgettable bite.
Through her food, she creates more than meals; she crafts moments of heritage, celebration, and deep connection.Whether leading our retreat’s culinary experience or serving joy to her community, she embodies what it means to live with purpose, passion, and power.
Chef Ashley is Island Girl Rich- Seasoning legacy with every bite.
Thank you, chef Ashley for making every gathering a celebration. -
Sponsor Spotlight: Chef Taj of Buddha Sushi
Explore Buddha SushiWe are honored to spotlight Chef Taj Siwatu, owner and executive chef of Buddha Sushi in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
A proud graduate of Johnson & Wales with over 20 years of culinary mastery, Chef Taj has spent the past 16 years blending Caribbean soul with global technique, redefining island fine dining through bold flavor and elevated experiences.
As an Official Culinary Partner of the Island Girl Rich Retreat, Chef Taj brings more than food, he brings artistry, intention, and a taste of the culture we carry.
Every dish is a tribute to heritage, creativity, and the richness we celebrate.Thank you, Chef Taj, for nourishing our minds, bodies, and spirits, one unforgettable bite at a time.
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Sponsor Spotlight: Harmoni Baron of Harmonic Delights
Explore Harmonic DelightsWe proudly celebrate Harmoni Baron, founder of Harmonic Delights, as a radiant sponsor of the Island Girl Rich Retreat.
A true Rich Island Girl, Harmoni embodies the soul of the Caribbean, crafting indulgent treats that are as healing as they are luxurious.
Her creations are an extension of her essence: purposeful, soulful, and made to elevate.
From ancestral roots to modern mastery, Harmoni reminds us that when a woman walks in wholeness, everything she touches becomes gold. E
Her presence and offerings are a gift to every sacred space she enters.Thank you, Harmoni, for bringing your magic, your mastery, and your melody into our sacred space.
