DEFENDRILEY
AMBASSADORS
Our ambassadors believe in our mission to empower young girls and women with the knowledge and skills to defend themselves. We bring different perspectives to the table, yet we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
Together we:
Teach practical, confidence-building self-defense techniques rooted in respect and safety.
Create inclusive programs that meet girls and women where they are — physically, emotionally, and culturally.
Design intentional materials and experiences that are clear, effective, and empowering.
Build community through mentorship, shared stories, and ongoing support.
Join us in turning knowledge into power: strengthen bodies, sharpen minds, and deepen connections that last.
Raquel Riley Thomas
Founder, DefendRILEY | U.S. Army Captain (Veteran) | Taekwondo Black Belt
Raquel Riley Thomas is a decorated U.S. Army Ordnance Captain (Veteran), Taekwondo Black Belt, entrepreneur, and advocate who transformed profound personal loss into a mission to empower women and girls.
After losing her mother to suicide in 2013 and later learning that her mother had survived assault, Raquel—herself a survivor of trauma—was determined to help ensure that other women and girls would have access to the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to protect themselves.
That mission led her to create DefendRILEY, an initiative dedicated to providing hands-on self-defense training, personal safety education, and empowerment programs for women and girls.
A Black Belt in Taekwondo, Raquel brings the discipline, resilience, and leadership developed through both martial arts and her military service to the DefendRILEY mission. She also mentors young martial arts students through a national program, helping instill confidence, discipline, perseverance, and respect in the next generation.
Raquel is now leading the transition of DefendRILEY into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the goal of expanding access to self-defense education, training opportunities, and scholarships for women and girls—particularly those who might not otherwise have access to these potentially life-saving resources.
Through DefendRILEY, Raquel is building more than a self-defense program. She is building a movement centered on preparedness, confidence, resilience, and the belief that every woman and girl deserves to feel empowered to protect herself.
Tamala Jones
Actress & Producer | DefendRILEY Ambassador
Tamala Jones is an acclaimed American actress and producer whose career has spanned more than three decades across film and television. Known for memorable roles in The Wood, The Brothers, and Two Can Play That Game, Tamala became a defining presence in late-1990s and early-2000s Black cinema before earning widespread recognition as Dr. Lanie Parish on ABC’s Castle. Her extensive body of work also includes 9-1-1: Lone Star, Rebel, Ordinary Angels, The Holiday Stocking, and Every Breath She Takes.
Her connection to the mission of DefendRILEY is especially meaningful through the 2023 Lifetime thriller Every Breath She Takes, in which Tamala stars as Jules Baker, a woman rebuilding her life after enduring years of abuse. As Jules begins reclaiming her independence and confidence, self-defense becomes part of that journey, with the character learning practical techniques to better protect herself. Tamala also served as an executive producer on the film.
That powerful intersection of storytelling, survival, confidence, and personal safety reflects the heart of DefendRILEY’s mission.
As a DefendRILEY Ambassador, Tamala lends her voice and platform to advancing self-defense education and empowering women and girls with the confidence, awareness, and practical skills to help protect themselves.
Through her work both on and off screen, Tamala continues to champion the strength, resilience, and empowerment of women.
Professor David Ellard
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt | Women’s Self-Defense Instructor
Professor David Ellard is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with more than 12 years of experience in martial arts, practical self-defense, and physical conditioning. Having trained under Master Tommy Cho, Wil Hil, and Christian Brunetti, David has developed a well-rounded approach that respects the traditions of his instructors while emphasizing practical, real-world application.
A passionate advocate for the self-defense roots of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, David specializes in No-Gi training, practical fighting scenarios, weapons defense, and techniques designed to help individuals protect themselves in real-life situations. His philosophy is simple: self-defense training should work beyond the mat and prepare students to respond effectively when faced with an actual threat.
David also teaches women’s self-defense, focusing on practical techniques that help women develop greater awareness, confidence, and the physical skills needed to respond in potentially dangerous situations. His approach emphasizes realistic training and accessible techniques that can be applied regardless of a participant’s previous martial arts experience.
An all-around athlete and fitness enthusiast, David incorporates conditioning and functional strength into his instruction, helping students develop both physical capability and mental confidence.
As a member of the DefendRILEY team, David brings extensive martial arts knowledge, practical self-defense expertise, and a shared commitment to empowering women and communities through education, preparation, and hands-on training.