Growing Into Purpose: How Cadence Flickinger Learned to Lead Before She Was Old Enough to Plan It
Cadence Flickinger, 2026 Arizona EPIC Preteen, did not enter pageantry with a strategy or a platform already defined. She entered because someone extended an invitation, and because her mother was willing to look beyond assumptions long enough to say yes.
That decision came with hesitation. Flickinger’s mother had seen enough television portrayals to be wary. “I’ve seen Toddlers and Tiaras. That’s not going to happen,” she thought at first. What shifted her perspective was not competition, but community service.
Even though registration had already closed, the system made room. At three years old, Flickinger stepped into her first pageant and won her divisional title, setting a foundation that would be shaped less by trophies and more by purpose.
Finding a Cause Before Finding a Crown
As Flickinger grew, so did the challenge of identifying what she stood for. At a young age, choosing a platform meant trying many forms of service without fully knowing which would resonate long term.
Her family volunteered widely until one cause stayed with her. Supporting law enforcement became more than a project, it became a commitment.
For the past four years, Flickinger has worked alongside Supporting the Thin Blue Line, an organization dedicated to uplifting police officers and their families across Arizona.
Her involvement is hands on. She fundraises, packs and delivers goodie bags to precincts statewide, decorates stations as a visible sign of appreciation, and supports families when tragedy strikes.
These actions are not ceremonial. They are consistent, visible, and rooted in relationships.
“Through fundraising for STTBL organization, I have found a voice to share which has transferred over to my pageant journey,” Flickinger says.
Growth Through Transition and Visibility
That voice carried her through pivotal transitions. After six years in the All American Girl system, she made the decision to branch out and try something new.
The choice was not about dissatisfaction. It was about growth.
“By branching out to try other systems, I found growth,” she explains.
Trying EPIC introduced her to a system she describes as transparent and supportive, a space where she did not feel reduced to a number.
Confidence Built Beyond Competition
Outside of pageant weekends, Flickinger’s visibility is intentional. She remains active in community service while also pursuing acting, modeling, and sports.
Her resume includes actor training in Los Angeles, commercials, short films, emceeing fashion shows, runway appearances, and youth entrepreneurship through local farmers markets.
Each opportunity builds confidence without disconnecting her from service.
Pageantry has shaped how she sees herself. Her mother often tells her she wishes she had Flickinger’s confidence at the same age.
Flickinger believes those skills were learned through experience.
“I believe the skills we learn in pageantry helped shape me into who I am growing into,” she says.
Her advice to others reflects that belief.
“You are already a Queen. Don’t focus on the crown as you focus more on the relationships you make, and the growth you gain.”
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