Palau SBDC Office Manager Earns Economics Degree from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

KOROR, Palau (May 2026) — Delia Rae Joseph, Office Manager of the Palau Small Business Development Center (Palau SBDC), graduated on May 15, 2026, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa through the Pacific Postsecondary Education Council partnership program offered at Palau Community College.

Joseph joined Palau SBDC on May 18, 2026, bringing several years of experience in government finance, administration, and public service. Her academic achievement adds to a professional background that includes financial management, budgeting support, collections, recordkeeping, and office administration.

Prior to joining Palau SBDC, Joseph served as an Account Specialist with the Palau Judiciary’s Supreme Court, where she managed financial records, processed transactions, reviewed invoices, prepared deposits, and supported accounting and budget-related functions. She previously worked as a Collections Officer at Belau National Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Human Services and served as an Administrative Assistant with the Bureau of Aging and Disability, where she supported administrative operations, procurement activities, personnel records management, and budget reconciliation efforts.

Throughout her career, Joseph has developed expertise in financial recordkeeping, budget support, documentation and reporting, customer service, leadership, and organizational administration. She has also completed extensive professional training through the Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors, including courses in governmental accounting, project management for grants, ethical decision-making, contract management, leadership development, and intermediate accounting.

Palau SBDC Executive Director Eustoria Borja said Joseph’s educational accomplishments and professional experience made her a standout candidate during the hiring process.

“Her recent Economics degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, combined with years of hands-on financial management experience in government agencies, is what makes her an asset  and valuable contributor to our organization. We are excited to welcome her to Palau SBDC and congratulate her on this significant educational milestone.”

Joseph’s economics degree provides additional expertise in financial analysis, resource management, business decision-making, and economic development, strengthening her ability to support the Center’s mission of assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Palau.

As Office Manager, Joseph plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of Palau SBDC, ensuring effective administrative and financial management while helping the organization deliver quality services to the business community.

The Palau Small Business Development Center congratulates Joseph on earning her degree and looks forward to her continued contributions to the organization’s success and to the economic growth of the Republic of Palau.