“Start with purpose, not perfection. Don’t chase the crown—chase the impact. Every title I’ve won started with service, humility, and faith. Be authentic, stay kind, and never dim your light to fit in. Remember, you can wear your confidence like a crown long before anyone places one on your head.”
In an era that celebrates multidimensional women, few figures embody the fusion of strength, beauty, and purpose quite like Raquel Riley Thomas. Decorated U.S. Army Captain. Pageant Queen. Mother. CEO. Beauty entrepreneur. Global advocate. Her story reads like a modern fashion fairytale, one formed with boldness, discipline, resilience, and an unapologetic command of her own narrative.
Raquel’s journey began in uniform. A decorated U.S. Army Captain, she honed the precision and poise that would one day become hallmarks of her public persona. Even then, she was never far from the worlds of style and visual storytelling. She modeled, worked behind the lens as a professional photographer, and documented the world around her. Her distinguished service and contributions would eventually lead to her induction into the Library of Congress, an honor that cements her legacy as both a Veteran trailblazer and cultural contributor.
In 2010, she made a decision that would alter the trajectory of her life and, ultimately, pageant history. She stepped into the world of competition, not for fame, but for her daughters. She wanted them to see themselves in the image of a princess, to witness a reflection of their own elegance, confidence, and potential. “From the very beginning, I told myself I wanted to win a crown for each of them. They fueled my fire and gave me purpose when things got tough.” she shared on her humble beginnings in pageantry. “Pageantry is more than glitz and gowns—it’s a masterclass in life. You learn public speaking, how to command a room, how to interview with confidence, and how to care for your body and mind. Through it all, I wanted to set the example for my girls that you can be strong, feminine, and fearless, all at the same time.”
She won her first major title, Mrs. Maryland America 2010, capturing hearts with her regal presence and message of representation. The following year, she soared to the national stage, becoming Mrs. America 2011 first runner-up, the first African American woman to reach that level within the national Mrs. America system. It was a moment that reshaped the landscape of American pageantry and inspired countless women to step forward with pride.
With her understanding of the real-world demands placed on women during the COVID pandemic, especially those balancing multiple roles, Raquel founded RRT Beauty, a performance-based makeup line designed specifically for long-wear endurance. “Women everywhere were suddenly living their professional lives on Zoom, and I realized we still wanted to look and feel beautiful, even from behind a screen. I wanted to create a product that delivered confidence through long-lasting, camera-ready makeup,” she shared one her beauty line. “From there, I expanded the line to include performance products for artists—long-wear eyeliners, lipsticks, and more. It’s all about giving women tools that help them show up looking strong, polished, and unstoppable—no matter where they are.”
Perhaps her most profound achievement is her initiative, DefendRILEY, a powerful global mission dedicated to providing hands-on self-defense training and personal safety education for women and girls.
The initiative was born from deep personal loss, Raquel’s mother, who endured abuse and assault as a young woman, later passed tragically. Rather than allowing grief to silence her, Raquel transformed it into fuel. As a Taekwondo martial artist, she committed herself to ensuring that no woman would lack the skills to protect her own life. DefendRILEY extends beyond training. It calls for sweeping reforms: requiring colleges to offer self-defense as an elective and mandating middle and high schools to include self-defense training within their core curriculum. Her mission is clear, self-defense must be a right, not a privilege.
As CEO of AOAGWLLC (An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC), the global media and entertainment company she founded in 2011, Raquel leads with visionary precision. Under her direction, the company has earned over 75 awards, a testament to its influence and excellence. It is yet another realm in which she commands both elegance and authority, merging military discipline with creative innovation.
Most recently, 2025 marked another milestone. Raquel was crowned Mrs. Nigeria Queen of the World and soon after ascended to the title of Elite Queen of the World 2025, a global recognition that celebrates not only her outer radiance but her profound impact on women worldwide. These titles however, are not ornaments, they are symbols of her mission. Every sash she wears, every crown she dons, is in service of a larger calling: to elevate, protect, and uplift.
Raquel Riley Thomas stands at the intersection of fashion, advocacy, service, and global influence. She moves with military precision, speaks with royal conviction, and builds with entrepreneurial fire. In the world of haute lifestyle and high fashion, she embodies a new archetype: the warrior queen. A woman who defends, defines, and reimagines what power looks like, for herself, for her daughters, and for women everywhere.
Her reign is not just in the world of pageantry. It is in every life she empowers, every door she opens, and every legacy she builds.
We had the opportunity to chat with Raquel Riley Thomas in an exclusive interview with PARLOUR Magazine for our December 2025 issue, where she discussed her beginnings in pageantry, her initiative DefendRILEY, her fashion tips and much more. Read the full interview with Raquel Riley Thomas below.
PARLOUR: How did you first get started with pageantry? How did you go from Army Captain to pageant winner – was there a specific moment or event that inspired you?
Raquel: I actually got into pageantry because of my daughter. One day she asked me, “Mommy, how come there aren’t any princesses that look like me?” I gave her a quick answer at the time because she was still very young, but that question stayed with me. I realized I needed to be part of the solution—to show her that representation matters. So, I decided to enter a pageant. I wanted her to see a woman who looked like her wearing the crown with confidence, purpose, and pride. That moment changed the entire trajectory of my life and became one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made.
PARLOUR: As a 6x pageant winner, who would you say has been your biggest influence in pageantry, and how did they shape your approach to it?
Raquel: My biggest inspiration comes from my two daughters. From the very beginning, I told myself I wanted to win a crown for each of them. They fueled my fire and gave me purpose when things got tough. Pageantry is more than glitz and gowns—it’s a masterclass in life. You learn public speaking, how to command a room, how to interview with confidence, and how to care for your body and mind. Through it all, I wanted to set the example for my girls that you can be strong, feminine, and fearless, all at the same time.
PARLOUR: Can you walk us through some of your journeys in the media industry with your company AOAGWLLC? What were some of the early challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Raquel: When I launched An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC, it was just an idea for a production company and a laptop. As a U.S. Army Captain (Veteran) stepping into the entertainment world, I had to build credibility from the ground up. Early on, it was tough to get people to take my company seriously. But I stayed disciplined and focused. I created structure, strategy, and results. Today, AOAGWLLC has 4 divisions: Public Relations, Brand Management, Talent Management and Production. We have earned thousands of media placements for our clients and multiple awards for our services. It all started with faith. God provides me with his word and he provides me with people who’s shoulders I stand on. The main one being my husband, Ron. That man is a giant in my heart.
“My favorite thing about fashion is how it allows people—especially women—to express their power, creativity, and individuality.”
PARLOUR: I saw that you were also a fashion expert for ABC’s “Good Morning Washington” at one point in your career. What would you say is your favorite thing about fashion?
Raquel: Fashion, to me, is storytelling without words. I love that an outfit can speak before you ever open your mouth. My favorite thing about fashion is how it allows people—especially women—to express their power, creativity, and individuality. Whether I’m in a gown or a gi, I dress for purpose. Fashion is confidence you can wear.
PARLOUR: Who or what would you say are some of your personal style inspirations?
Raquel: When it comes to gowns, Diahann Carroll and Dorothy Dandridge are my muses. They embodied elegance, grace, and quiet strength—three qualities I deeply admire. How I dress today is really my own personal style, though. It’s a reflection of who I am at every stage of life—sometimes bold, sometimes classic, but always intentional. I’ve learned that true style isn’t about trends, it’s about authenticity and confidence in your own skin.
PARLOUR: Could you share some of your own style “hacks” or go-to’s?
Raquel: I really love accessories. You can take a simple outfit and turn it into something very stylish just by adding a fabulous belt, boot, and purse. Accessories let you express personality without saying a word. My closet is full of different types of boots—they’re my absolute favorite accessory. Whether it’s a sleek stiletto boot or a bold combat pair, boots instantly make me feel powerful and ready for anything.
PARLOUR: You’re also the owner of your own beauty company, RRT Beauty. What inspired you to start your own beauty line?
Raquel: I actually got the inspiration to start RRT Beauty during COVID. Women everywhere were suddenly living their professional lives on Zoom, and I realized we still wanted to look and feel beautiful, even from behind a screen. I wanted to create a product that delivered confidence through long-lasting, camera-ready makeup. From there, I expanded the line to include performance products for artists—long-wear eyeliners, lipsticks, and more. It’s all about giving women tools that help them show up looking strong, polished, and unstoppable—no matter where they are.
PARLOUR: What does it personally mean to you to be inducted in the Library of Congress?
Raquel: That honor is one of the most humbling moments of my life. To be recognized for my service and contributions as both a soldier and a civilian means that my journey has come full circle. It’s a reminder that leadership, integrity, and service leave a lasting imprint—far beyond uniforms or crowns.
“Watching someone walk away feeling stronger and safer because of something I helped create, that’s real impact.”
PARLOUR: Is there a project or moment in your career that’s the most rewarding part of your work so far?
Raquel: Being crowned Elite Queen of the World 2025 was incredibly rewarding, not just because of the title, but because of the platform it gave me to expand my initiative, DefendRILEY. Unfortunately, in 2013, my mother took her life. What I found out was that she was assaulted during her youth. I wanted to do something in her honor. Once I started taekwondo, I started empowering women and young girls with self-defense training, it has become one of my proudest missions. Watching someone walk away feeling stronger and safer because of something I helped create, that’s real impact.
PARLOUR: What do you enjoy doing in your personal time?
Raquel: In my personal time, I really enjoy date nights with my husband or binge-watching shows on Netflix—we love unwinding together after long, busy days. I have always been an avid reader, especially of thrillers and scary stories. Stephen King is my favorite author of all time; his storytelling is unmatched. However, right now I am shifting into reading more autobiographies. I am in the middle of Tina Knowles’ “Matriarch,” and it is such an inspiring read about strength, legacy, and womanhood.
PARLOUR: How do you stay motivated and energized with the demanding schedule that comes with your busy lifestyle?
Raquel: I stay motivated by remembering why I started. I keep a vision board that reminds me of my goals, and I surround myself with positive people who match my energy. My faith is also a huge part of my drive—I start every day with gratitude and intention. Discipline got me through the military, but purpose keeps me going in business.
PARLOUR: Looking ahead, are there any particular roles or projects that you’re excited to take on?
Raquel: Yes, I’m expanding my advocacy work through DefendRILEY and preparing to take the platform international. I’m also developing new media productions under AOAGWLLC that merge empowerment with entertainment. once.
PARLOUR: Finally, what is a small piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to follow a similar path in pageantry?
Raquel: Start with purpose, not perfection. Don’t chase the crown—chase the impact. Every title I’ve won started with service, humility, and faith. Be authentic, stay kind, and never dim your light to fit in. Remember, you can wear your confidence like a crown long before anyone places one on your head.
