Raquel M. R. Thomas is a professor, Ph.D. student, award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur whose work spans education, business, and the arts. As a business professor and Director of the Business Innovation Lab at Benedict College, she is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her teaching and research focus on curriculum innovation, particularly for marginalized students, aligning with her doctoral studies in Education Curriculum and Innovation at the University of South Carolina.

Beyond academia, Raquel is the founder of Dream Catchers Corporation, an umbrella organization housing ventures in film production, publishing, and youth education. Through Dream Catchers Productions, she has written, directed, and produced multiple independent films and television projects, with works streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime, AppleTV, and Tubi. Her storytelling reflects her passion for authentic representation, often centering underrepresented voices. She is also the visionary behind BTV, a BIPOC-focused streaming platform designed to amplify diverse creators and redefine media representation.

Raquel’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond media. She has successfully launched and managed childcare learning centers, restaurants, retail stores, and consulting firms, showcasing her commitment to community and economic development. Her work with youth is especially meaningful; she has created after-school and summer programs that introduce children to business, financial literacy, and leadership at an early age, ensuring opportunities often withheld from marginalized communities.

A published author and speaker, Raquel continues to use her voice and platforms to inspire resilience, empowerment, and triumph. Whether in the classroom, on screen, or in community spaces, she remains committed to storytelling, education, and innovation that transforms lives and creates pathways for the next generation of leaders.