By: Juelz Munroe
Raquel Riley Thomas, a prominent figure in pageantry, military service, and entrepreneurship, made history as the first military Veteran crowned Elite Queen of the World 2025. She competed under the title Elite Mrs. Nigeria 2025. Her achievement marks a significant moment in the international pageant world and also reflects her commitment to empowering and supporting women through her advocacy platform, DefendRILEY.
A Victory for Nigeria and Global Empowerment
Representing Nigeria with grace, strength, and authenticity, Raquel captivated judges and audiences with her poise, purpose, and message. The Queen of the World pageant, known for recognizing women who are leaders and global changemakers, acknowledged Raquel’s blend of leadership and compassion (she was also voted Mrs. Congeniality by her peers).
DefendRILEY: A Mission Inspired by Personal Tragedy
Raquel’s platform, DefendRILEY, is an initiative focused on helping women and girls build strength, safety, and confidence. The mission statement—”DefendRILEY is committed to empowering women and girls through practical self-defense training, personal safety education, and strategies to build self-worth”—is at the heart of her efforts. Through DefendRILEY, Raquel advocates for self-defense training, mental health awareness, and access to resources that empower women both physically and emotionally.
Her platform, DefendRILEY, holds particular significance due to her personal experiences, including the loss of her mother to suicide. After her mothers’s death, Raquel found out her mother had been assaulted as a younger woman. Raquel became driven by the desire to create a legacy focused on protecting and empowering women. “Women deserve to feel secure and supported in their spaces, and to recognize that their power is their own,” she states.
A dedicated Taekwondo practitioner and supporter of Tao meditation, Raquel shares her personal journey to illustrate the importance of discipline, inner peace, and self-confidence. “DefendRILEY is not solely about protecting yourself from physical danger,” Raquel explains. “It’s also about finding your voice, recognizing your value, and fostering a community of strong, self-assured women.”
From Captain to Queen
Raquel’s journey to the crown is deeply rooted in her service to the United States. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, she served for nine years—five as an enlisted photojournalist and four as an Ordnance Officer—eventually earning the rank of Captain. Her military career included numerous accolades, including the U.S. Army Commendation and Achievement Medals. She is also inducted into the Library of Congress for her service.
Her transition from military service to public life did not slow her down. In 2011, she founded An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a media and entertainment firm that has received international recognition for its contributions to the industry. The company, which specializes in talent management, public relations, brand management, and production services, has won over 75 awards and has garnered clients over 5,000 projects. Raquel also launched the Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line, a cosmetics brand offering high-performance, long-wear products designed for women of various backgrounds and lifestyles.
Leading with Purpose and Legacy
As a mother of two including a college student studying aerospace engineering and a rising celebrity teen chef, Raquel blends her professional commitments with a strong focus on family. Married since 2006 to West Point graduate Ron Thomas, Esq., she eloquently balances her responsibilities as a CEO, queen, and parent.
Looking Ahead as Queen of the World
As Elite Queen of the World 2025, Raquel intends to use her platform to further promote DefendRILEY on a global scale. She will appear at conferences, speak at schools, and collaborate with organizations dedicated to women’s empowerment and safety. She has started a Change.org campaign to generate signatures to get self-defense classes as an elective in high schools. She also continues to support Veterans through her involvement with the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation.
Raquel’s message is clear: whether in uniform, on stage, or in a boardroom, every woman should have the opportunity to protect her space and define her legacy.
Follow on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/raquelrileythomas
For media inquiries, please contact: An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC | pr@aoagwllc.com
Published by Joseph T.
