Director, Producer, Writer
Raquel Riley Thomas is a Director, Producer, and Writer, for television, film, theatre and print. She has won several awards for her creativity behind film and still cameras. Raquel Riley Thomas is a graduate of the DINFOS school in the U.S. Army. Currently, she is working on a music video and a film.
Raquel Riley Thomas is the founder of An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC. She is an Entrepreneur, Pageant Queen, Military-Veteran and Humanitarian. She has over 30 years of military and private sector experience in the media field with a concentration in the Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, Celebrity and Music Industry.
Media and Entertainment Maven:
In 2011, Raquel Riley Thomas founded An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a media and entertainment company with locations in DCm Atlanta, New York and LA. Her company has earned over 80 awards, showcasing excellence in Public Relations, Talent Management, Brand Management, and Production services. Raquel's clients have notched over 900 appearances in print media, television, radio, and podcasts.
Military Veteran and Photographer:
Raquel's journey began in the U.S. Army, where she served as a photojournalist for five years before becoming an Ordnance Officer for an additional four years. Simultaneously, she started her first business, Photography By Raquel, LLC, capturing the essence of actors, celebrities, and Jet magazine swimsuit centerfolds.
Theatrical Projects:
Award-Winning Pageants:
Under AOAGWLLC, Raquel has produced groundbreaking pageants in MD, PA, DC, and notably at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. These events have not only garnered numerous awards for the company but have also made historical marks in the pageant industry.
TV Projects:
Raquel's production services extend beyond pageantry, with AOAGWLLC involved in diverse television projects to include directing infomercials and music videos. The company's commitment to excellence has resulted in award-winning productions that captivate audiences across various platforms, from television to in-person events.
Education:
- 1990: Graduated from the Defense Information School of Technology, becoming a U.S. Army photojournalist.
- 1998: Distinguished Military Graduate from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Hampton University.
- 1995: Completed Officer’s Leadership Course.
- 1998: Earned a degree in Psychology from Hampton University.
- 2019: Received a certification in Mastery of Negotiations from Harvard Business School.
Awards and Recognitions:
Raquel's exceptional contributions have been recognized through various awards, including induction into the Library of Congress, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and being named "Veteran of the Year" in 2011 by Women Veteran’s Rock.
Current Community Life:
Raquel is actively involved in several organizations, serving as an Advisory Board member of Operation Renewed Hope, a member of Veterans of Foreign War, and a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She also supports the American Federation of Suicide Prevention through her initiative, Queen V Day.
Contact:
For speaking engagements and press interviews, please contact L. Nelson at pr@aoagwllc.com.