By: Lisa Shamble
Becoming a queen isn’t simply about a crown and sash; it’s a culmination of purpose, preparation, and poise. For Raquel Riley Thomas, being named Elite Queen of the World 2025 is more than a title; it serves as a platform, a mission, and a deeply personal achievement. Her journey to the crown highlights the discipline, strategy, and resilience involved in reaching the top on the global stage.
A Vision Rooted in Purpose
Raquel Riley Thomas is no stranger to making a difference. A U.S. Army veteran, pageant director, entrepreneur, and advocate, she has long utilized her voice to support causes that matter deeply to her. Her platform, DefendRILEY, focuses on self-defense, promoting safety, strength, and personal empowerment, particularly for women and families. This mission has been an essential part of her approach as she prepared for the Elite Queen of the World competition.
Rather than pursuing a title, Raquel centered her attention on fulfilling a larger purpose. “This was never about being the most glamorous,” she said. “It was about being the most grounded. I wanted to show women that we can lead with heart, strength, and intelligence and do it with elegance.”
Preparation Fit for a Queen
Raquel’s path to the crown involved a thorough preparation process. From daily fitness routines to mock interviews, speech refinement, and wardrobe curation, every element was thoughtfully planned. She worked diligently to train both her body and mind, emphasizing wellness, discipline, and self-mastery.
Behind the scenes, her preparation team included mentors, but Raquel remained firmly committed to staying authentic. “There was no pretending. I brought my true self to every stage, every answer, every connection,” she reflected.
She also focused on philanthropic initiatives, aligning herself with causes like self-defense. As a mother, wife, and businesswoman, Raquel embodied multifaceted excellence, a trait that the judges and audiences appreciated.
Mindset of a Monarch
What distinguishes Raquel is her mindset. Grounded in faith, military discipline, and a strong sense of determination, she approached every stage of the competition with gratitude and resilience. Her calm confidence is shaped by years of leadership, both in military settings and boardrooms. She believes that being elite is not necessarily about perfection but about perseverance.
“There were days I was exhausted. Days I questioned whether I was doing too much. But I reminded myself why I started,” Raquel shared. “It was never about me. It was about using this stage to elevate others, especially women who feel unseen or unheard.”
Her mental preparation involved daily affirmations, prayer, and visualization techniques. Raquel envisioned herself not just winning, but representing and serving women of all backgrounds with strength and purpose.
A Queen for the World
Crowned Elite Queen of the World 2025, Raquel Riley Thomas now stands as an international symbol of elegance and empowerment. She exemplifies what it means to be an elite queen: someone who is strong, self-aware, and service-oriented.
Her reign is already beginning to have a significant impact. She is launching new empowerment workshops, expanding DefendRILEY’s reach, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Raquel’s story serves as a reminder that queens aren’t simply born—they are made through dedication, heart, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
As she continues on her journey, Raquel hopes to inspire others to define royalty not by appearance or status, but by legacy. “We are all queens when we walk in our purpose,” she says. “And when you lead with love and courage, the world takes notice.”
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