Photo courtesy of Miss America IP INC.
What helps shape a young person into a national leader? For Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, music has been a powerful part of the answer. In this episode, Cassie shares how music helped her find her voice, build confidence, and prepare for a life of leadership and service. She also discusses why she’s using her national platform to champion music and arts education, and why she believes every child deserves the opportunity to experience its life-changing benefits.
Guest
My guest today is Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026. When the newly crowned Miss America chooses to use her national platform to champion music and arts education, it’s worth paying attention. Her advocacy is rooted in personal experience and a deep belief in the power of music to shape lives, build confidence, and create opportunities. Today we’re talking about her journey, what’s informed and shaped her voice, and why she believes music education can help equip the next generation of leaders.
Notes
We discuss:
- How music shaped Cassie Donegan’s journey to becoming Miss America 2026, helping her develop confidence, communication skills, and leadership.
- Why Cassie chose music and arts education as her national advocacy platform and the personal experiences that inspired her mission.
- The lasting impact of music education on creativity, resilience, and preparing young people for success beyond the classroom.
- How music opened doors to opportunities and helped shape Cassie’s personal and professional path.
- One of the common misconceptions about pageant contestants – and how Cassie’s experience reflects a much broader story of leadership, intellect, and purpose than the stereotype suggests.
- Why sustained investment in music and arts education benefits students, schools, communities, and the future workforce.
- The important role of the arts in STEAM education and how creativity strengthens learning across disciplines.
- Cassie’s STEAM Masterclass and other resources available for students, educators, parents, and advocates.
- Practical ways listeners can support and advocate for music and arts education in their own schools and communities.
- Cassie’s vision for ensuring every child has access to the life-changing benefits of music education.
- Inspiring reflections on the power of music to help people discover their voice, realize their potential, and become leaders.
Connect/Other Resources
- Connect with Miss America: @MissAmerica on all social media channels
- Website: Miss America and Cassie Donegan
- Cassie mentions FreeArts NYC
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 230: What Makes Humans Irreplaceable? The Power of Creativity in the AI Era; with Susan Riley
- Ep. 83: Connecting the dots between SEL and music, with Scott Edgar, PhD
- Ep. 202: The HUMAN Instrument – How Beatboxing is Breaking Barriers in Education, Creativity, and Leadership; with Kaila Mullady
- Ep. 194: Advocating Smarter, Not Harder – A simplified guide for exponential impact and reward; with Anita Collins, PhD
- Ep. 183: Amplified Potential – Revaluing Music in Education and Society; with Frank Fitzpatrick
- Ep. 145: Helping students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music; with Henry Donahue
- Ep. 138: Classroom STEAM integration through music production & songwriting; with Writers Room U
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
LIVING WELL WITH DR. MICHELLE: If you’ve listened to this podcast for long, you know that, in addition to being passionate about music, I am also passionate about natural health and wellbeing. So I was intrigued to learn about an all-natural toothpaste developed by a biologic, holistic dentist to effectively clean and protect teeth and strengthen enamel without fluoride or the many chemicals that are ubiquitous in the commercial toothpastes that I’ve always used without a second thought. What really caught my attention was that one of these dentist’s products was specially formulated for sensitive teeth, which I have thanks to gum recession. I was a little skeptical that an all-natural product would provide adequate sensitivity protection, but after trying it for several months, I am a fan. What clinched the deal was going to my 6-month dental cleaning and having my hygienist rave about the whiteness of my teeth. To learn more about the Living Well Sensitive Tooth Powder and other products – and get 10% off your order – check out the link in the show notes (or use Coupon Code: musicenhances10 at livingwellwithdrmichelle.com). (Or buy on Amazon.)
Coda
Cassie shares about FreeArts NYC.
Closing Words
Thank you, Cassie, for this powerful reminder that music education isn’t just about learning notes and rhythms – it’s about shaping confident, creative leaders who are ready to make a difference. I hope that hearing Cassie’s story has left you feeling encouraged and inspired to support access to music and arts education in your own community, whether through advocacy, conversation, or bringing Cassie’s STEAM Masterclass to your school. Every small step really does help ensure these opportunities remain available for the next generation, and that we all benefit from the results.
And if you know of someone who would enjoy this episode, please share it with them! It’s one of the best ways to help us reach new listeners and spread the transforming power of music in everyday life.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my occasional e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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