New York, NY – Raquel Riley Thomas is not just wearing the crown, she is redefining what it means to rule with elegance and impact. Recently crowned Elite Queen of the World 2025, Thomas brings a unique blend of glamour, grit, and global vision to the international stage.
A decorated U.S. Army Captain turned six-time beauty queen, Thomas has seamlessly merged the discipline of a soldier with the poise of a pageant star. Her journey embodies a rare duality—one that commands both respect and admiration. Yet behind the titles and accolades lies a deeper mission: to use her platform to empower, protect, and inspire.
Beyond the Crown: A Platform with Purpose
Thomas’s reign as Elite Queen of the World is anchored by her advocacy initiative, DefendRILEY, a self-defense and personal safety movement she founded in honor of her late mother who unfortunately died by suicide. A taekwondo martial artist, Raquel later found out her mother had been assaulted at a younger age. Through DefendRILEY platform, Raquel is championing legislation to make self-defense training a requirement in United States high schools while partnering with martial arts experts to provide workshops and demonstrations across the country.
“My crown is not just for show,” Thomas says, “it’s a symbol of responsibility. I want every woman and girl to know that she has the right, and the ability, to defend herself.”
A Trailblazer Across Industries
Outside of pageantry, Thomas is the CEO and Founder of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a media and entertainment powerhouse specializing in public relations, talent management, brand development, and production. Under her leadership, the firm has secured 5,000+ media placements, produced high-profile campaigns with Forbes (LA), Cosmopolitan (Canada), and GQ (British), and expanded internationally with a 40% year-over-year growth.
Her clientele includes entertainment icons, corporate visionaries, and cultural innovators, a portfolio that affirms her standing as one of the most sought-after and influential publicists of her era.
Recognized by Institutions of Prestige
Thomas is inducted into the Library of Congress, an honor that cements her legacy not only as a cultural figure but also as a woman of historic impact. From being the first Black female Veteran on the covers of both Forbes LA and Cosmopolitan, to working with Atlanta’s civic leaders on youth initiatives, her work continues to bridge community, culture, and commerce.
A Queen for the Modern Era
What sets Thomas apart is her ability to embody luxury and accessibility simultaneously. On one hand, she is seen on red carpets, gracing magazine covers, and hosting exclusive events; on the other, she is on the ground, teaching young women how to throw their first punch, how to stand tall, and how to believe in their own power.
As she continues to embark on her reign as Elite Queen of the World, her calendar is filling with international appearances, media tours, and advocacy campaigns. But for Raquel Riley Thomas, the crown is only the beginning. Her legacy will not be defined by how brightly it shines, but by how many lives it touches.
