Elite Mrs. Nigeria Queen of the World 2025

 
 

About Raquel Riley Thomas:

Professional:

Raquel Riley Thomas is a decorated U.S. Army Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, and international pageant queen committed to empowering women through self-defense, leadership, and advocacy. A former Army Captain, Raquel served for nine years in the military, earning accolades for her leadership and resilience. Her ability to command a room, mentor others, and thrive in high-pressure environments has defined her journey from the battlefield to the boardroom.

As the founder and CEO of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC, in 2011, she has built an award-winning global media and entertainment company recognized as the Best Media and Entertainment Company in both Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The company has four divisions: Public Relations, Brand Management, Talent Management and Production. Under her leadership, the company has produced high-profile brand campaigns, television productions, and managed elite talent, making a lasting impact in the beauty, fashion, music, corporate and lifestyle industries. The company has won over 75 awards in DC, Maryland and Georgia.

After leaving the military in 2002, Raquel launched her first business, Photography By Raquel, LLC, capturing images of actors, celebrities, and Jet Magazine swimsuit centerfolds. That same year, she embarked on a successful modeling career, signing with Elite Model Management and later Ford Models NYC. Currently represented by Select Models, she has been featured in over 125 print and television commercial campaigns for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Delta Airlines, and 1-800-Contacts.

In 2010, inspired to show her daughters that a princess could look like them, Raquel entered the Mrs. Maryland America pageant and won the title. She went on to compete at the national level, making history as the first African American to place 1st Runner-Up at Mrs. America 2011. In 2020, Raquel expanded her entrepreneurial reach and launched Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty (RRTBeauty) a performance-based makeup brand designed for long-wear durability. The first collection,” The Virtuoso”, sold out in its first month of its debut. In 2025, Raquel was crowned Elite Mrs. Nigeria Queen of the World 2025.

Beyond her business ventures, Raquel is a recognized Beauty and Fashion Expert, frequently appearing as a television commentator on FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Reelz. Her expertise has been showcased in coverage of events like the Oscars and Emmys, as well as in Reelz’s “The Kate Spade Story.” She has also been featured in numerous publications, including USA News, Style Cruze, Fitness, Washingtonian, Washington Life, and Military Times.

Education:

Raquel Riley Thomas is a lifelong scholar and leader with an extensive background in military, business, and personal development.

She began her academic and professional journey in 1990, graduating from the Defense Information School of Technology. In 1994, she completed the Primary Leadership Development Course in Tague, Korea, further honing her leadership skills.

In 1998, Raquel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University, where she also distinguished herself as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). That same year, she completed the Officer Leadership Course, preparing her for a successful career as a U.S. Army officer.

Always committed to personal growth, Raquel earned a Certification in Mastery of Negotiations from Harvard Business School in 2019, strengthening her expertise in high-stakes negotiations and strategic decision-making.

Community:

After losing her mother to suicide in March 2023, following years of trauma, Raquel dedicated herself to ensuring that no woman ever feels powerless. She launched “DefendHER”, an initiative that provides hands-on self-defense training and personal safety education to women and girls worldwide. As a red belt in Taekwondo, she currently assists in teaching younger children through a national Taekwondo program. Her goal is to become a black belt Master and turn DefendHer into a non-profit.

Beyond DefendHer, Raquel is a Publicist for the Southeast Chapter of the Emmys, where she leverages her expertise to support media professionals. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, advocating for veteran support and housing stability.

Her dedication to Veterans extends to her memberships in Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Veterans in Media, where she continues to uplift and support those who have served. As a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., she champions scholarship, service, and social justice.

Military and Civilian Awards Highlights

(For the full list, contact pr@aoagwllc.com)

A highly decorated military veteran and distinguished entrepreneur, Raquel Riley Thomas has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to both military service and the business world.

Her legacy is preserved in the Library of Congress, honoring her service in the U.S. Army, where she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2x) and the Army Achievement Medal (3x).

Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous accolades, including:

  • 2000: Selected as a "Leader of the Future" by Ebony Magazine

  • 2011: Mrs. America (1st Runner-Up) – First African American woman to achieve this rank in the Mrs. America organization

  • 2011: Named "Veteran of the Year" by Women Veteran’s Rock

  • 2013: Recognized in Washington Business Journal’s “People on the Move”

  • 2022: Named a Consumer Goods Technology (CGT) Visionary

  • 2022: Recipient of the Entrepreneur Business Startup Award for Raquel Riley Thomas Cosmetics from The Rosie Network

  • 2023: Honored as one of The Atlantan’s "Most Influential Women in Atlanta"

  • 2023: Featured in Upscale Magazine’s HBCU Alumni Entrepreneurs issue (Feb/March)

  • 2023: Highlighted as a "Mother and Mogul" in Upscale Magazine

  • 2023: Awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold)

  • 2024: Honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Lifetime Achievement)

Her international influence is reflected in her 2025 magazine covers and features, including:

  • FIGGI (Italy)

  • VOUS (Italy)

  • HollyWay (Japan)

With an impressive presence in over 125 magazines, billboards, and commercials, Raquel Riley Thomas continues to break barriers and inspire future generations.

Personal:

Raquel Riley Thomas is a Maryland native who recently relocated to Georgia. She has been married to West Point graduate Ron Thomas, Esq. since 2006. Notably, Ron never lost to Navy during his football career. Together, they have two daughters: Maria, an aerospace engineering major, and Sophia, a celebrity teen chef. Their family also includes a dog, a cat, and a few robots built by Maria Raquel.

Raquel continues to shatter expectations, proving that a woman can wear both a crown, combat boots and stilettos. As she competes for the Elite Queen of the World title, she brings not just a story of perseverance but a track record of success, impact, and unwavering dedication to female empowerment.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @raquelrileythomas. 

For pageant interviews, appearances, and sponsorship opportunities, contact L. Nelson at pr@aoagwllc.com 

For modeling projects, contact Select Models Atlanta | Agent Lois Thigpen | lois@selectmodel.com