by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors
November 16, 2023
Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain veteran, entrepreneur, pageant queen, and humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul
*Originally Reported by Blacknews
Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain Veteran, Entrepreneur, Pageant Queen, and Humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul, reshaping industries and inspiring positive change. With over 30 years of combined military and private sector experience, she has seamlessly transitioned from the battlefield to the boardroom, leaving an indelible mark on the Beauty, Fashion, Celebrity, Lifestyle, and Music industries.
Raquel is the founder of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a Veteran-owned media and entertainment company headquartered in Washington, DC, with satellites in GA, NY, LA. Since its inception in 2011, AOAGWLLC has earned acclaim, winning over 75 awards. Raquel, as a Publicist and owner of AOAGWLLC, has led her team to support clients in achieving over 700 appearances in print media, television, in-person, and radio/podcast appearances.
Military Service and Entrepreneurial Journey
Raquel’s journey began in 1990 as a decorated military Veteran, serving nine years in the U.S. Army as an Enlisted photojournalist and later as an Ordnance Officer. In 2002, she started her first business, Photography By Raquel, LLC, capturing actors, celebrities, and Jet magazine swimsuit centerfolds. Transitioning into the world of modeling, Raquel signed with Elite Model Management and later Ford Model NYC, showcasing her versatility in the industry.
The pivotal shift occurred in 2011 when Raquel founded AOAGWLLC, making history with over 75 awards and…
Read the full article here
