Candace Kanavel, the real life Miss Congeniality

If you've somehow never seen the movie "Miss Congeniality", here's the 30 Second version (don't worry, no spoilers here!):

An undercover FBI agent must enter a beauty pageant in order to prevent a crime from occurring. The problem? The only person in the agency who is "qualified" for beauty pageant competing is the person least excited for the opportunity. However, she will not sacrifice her career and proceeds with the mission. In doing so, her vision of the "superficial" world is forever changed and she comes to realize that the women in the pageant circuit are just like her....women who are trying to change the world.

Enter Candace Kanavel. She's an active law enforcement officer who is changing the community by keeping the citizens and visitors of Tempe, Arizona safe. In her off duty time, she competes in the pageant circuit as well.

Early on in her college career, Political Science was the major she originally declared. Two things were clear at that point: she had a love for her country and she wanted to make a difference by helping people. She took a Criminal Justice course in her second year and that’s where it all clicked. Law Enforcement was the route she wanted to take.

While working vigorously to excel in my studies, Candace accepted a job with the Tempe Police Department as their Body Worn Camera Redaction Specialist. She served two years in the Media Unit working with sensitive and confidential information, corresponding with media representatives, and sharpening my computer program skills. Soon she moved to Patrol Operations where she continued to learn about the operations that allow the Officers to perform their duties and how essential even the smallest tasks can be to a successful team effort.

In the two and a half years serving in local law enforcement as a civilian in both paid and volunteer positions, Candace found her love for the policing profession and eagerly made the transition into a career as a police officer.

In 2023, this amazing warrior doubled down on her efforts to change the world and become the first active law enforcement officer to compete in the Miss USA pageant. With some fierce competition, she brought all of her skills and passion and let them all shine, being crowned Miss Arizona USA, and making history for female law enforcement officers across the country and around the world.

Candace truly exemplifies the mindset of "In a world of beauty, brains, and bravery....be all of the above" and we are so incredibly proud to spotlight her as a Great American Warrior.

Trudy Jacobson is proud to present Great American Warriors, a web series dedicated to showcasing the stories of inspiring and ambitious female veterans and first responders. These women are leaders in their field, and their stories will motivate and encourage other women to pursue their own dreams. The series is a specialized part of the Great American Women brand, produced by Trudy Jacobson.

Like Trudy Jacobson, these women are at the top of their game, and their tales will inspire and motivate other women to achieve their own aspirations.