Global media and entertainment powerhouse An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC has announced that its Founder and CEO, Raquel Riley Thomas, has been crowned Elite Mrs. Nigeria, Queen of the World 2025.
This historic achievement adds another milestone to the remarkable career of a decorated U.S. Army Veteran, entrepreneur, and humanitarian.
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Raquel Riley Thomas’s journey is one of perseverance, excellence, and service. A Hampton University graduate, Raquel served nine years in the U.S. Army as a photojournalist and Ordnance officer, earning numerous military honors, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal (twice) and the U.S. Army Achievement Medal (three times). Her contributions to military service were so impactful that she was inducted into the Library of Congress.
Championing “Empowered Defense”
As part of her reign, Raquel is championing her new platform, “Empowered Defense: Strength, Safety, and Self-Worth.”
This initiative focuses on equipping girls and women of all ages with the tools to protect themselves physically and mentally. A practitioner of Taekwondo and Tao meditation, Raquel leads by example, emphasizing the importance of self-defense in building confidence and self-worth.
“My mission is to help every girl and woman feel strong, safe, and capable,” Raquel said in a press release. “Self-defense is not just about physical safety—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and affirming self-worth.”
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
Raquel’s career is a testament to her leadership and innovation. In 2011, she founded An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a global media and entertainment company now valued at $1.9 billion.
The company has won over 75 industry awards and produced events at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center.
In 2020, Raquel expanded her entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of the Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line (RRT Beauty), offering performance-based, long-wear makeup for professionals and beauty enthusiasts.
A Heart for Service
Raquel’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional achievements. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is a staunch advocate for Veterans and serves on the Advisory Board of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation.
She is also the Publicist for the Southeast Emmys and a champion for mental health awareness, supporting the American Federation for Suicide Prevention—a cause close to her heart after losing her mother in 2013.
Her dedication to community service has earned her the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Lifetime Achievement).
A Devoted Family Woman
Originally from Maryland, Raquel now lives in Georgia with her husband, Ron Thomas, Esq., a West Point graduate. Married since 2006, the couple has four daughters: two of their own, including a college student studying aerospace engineering and a celebrity teen chef, and Ron’s two adult daughters, who are college graduates.
A Visionary Leader on the Global Stage
As Elite Mrs. Nigeria, Queen of the World 2025, Raquel will use her platform to promote “Empowered Defense” on a global scale. Her reign will include appearances, speeches, and community engagements aimed at inspiring and uplifting individuals worldwide.
Be sure to follow her journey on Instagram: @raquelrileythomas and @rrtbeauty.
For interviews, appearances, and pageant sponsorships, contact L. Nelson at pr@aoagwllc.com.
