Data Realm: Profile on Chandra Donelson, Female Pioneer in the Data Sphere
Chandra Donelson: A Trailblazer in Data Leadership
Chandra Donelson's career journey in data management and leadership is marked by a unique and nontraditional path leading to prominent roles in the U.S. military's data and AI leadership.
At the tender age of 14, Donelson opened a formalwear store in Texas, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial spirit. Her academic journey continued with a college education funded by a track and field scholarship, where she studied business. However, it was through a recruiter’s office that she found her entry point into the data and artificial intelligence fields when she joined the United States Air Force [1].
Donelson has held significant leadership positions, including serving as the Chief Data and AI Officer for the United States Air Force, where she was instrumental in launching the department’s first AI governance platform[1]. Currently, she is the Chief Data and AI Officer for the United States Space Force, responsible for establishing data policies, frameworks, and standards across the organization [1].
Beyond her military leadership roles, Donelson is deeply involved in promoting data literacy and leadership among women. She is the founder and board member of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia chapter of Women in Data, which supports women professionals in the data field [1]. Additionally, she is the author of The Data Detective book series and global initiative, which aims to make data literacy engaging and accessible for children[1][2].
In her previous role as the chief data and AI officer for the Air Force, Donelson helped launch the department's first AI governance platform. She emphasizes the importance of ownership in leading product development teams, staying rooted in one's purpose in the rapidly changing data field, and the necessity of resilience for overcoming obstacles in one's professional journey [1].
Adaptability is necessary for success in the data field, as pointed out by Donelson. She encourages leaders to create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. Building trust with one's team is essential for a healthy team and effective leadership [1].
Chandra Donelson's career path was not traditional, but her unique experiences have equipped her with valuable insights. She realized that traits previously considered weaknesses, such as risk-taking, option-oriented, curious, and persuasive, were strengths in the tech space [1].
One of her biggest challenges in her career was thinking she had to be all things to all people and saying yes to everything. However, she learned the real competitive advantage is setting boundaries [1].
To further your learning, attend the Live Online Data Management Fundamentals Course or explore the Women in Data Management and Governance community and newsletter for more resources [1]. You can also follow Chandra Donelson on LinkedIn [1].
Key Achievements:
- Leading AI governance initiatives at the U.S. Air Force [1].
- Developing data policies and frameworks for the U.S. Space Force as Chief Data and AI Officer [1].
- Founding a regional chapter of Women in Data, supporting women in data-related careers [1].
- Authoring a children’s book series to promote data literacy worldwide [1][2].
Her career uniquely blends military service, data leadership, and advocacy for community-driven data education and empowerment [1].
[1] - Source: Women in Data [2] - Source: The Data Detective book series and global initiative
- Chandra Donelson, a trailblazer in data leadership, is currently the Chief Data and AI Officer for the United States Space Force, where she establishes data policies, frameworks, and standards.
- Beyond her military roles, Donelson is deeply involved in education and self-development, authoring The Data Detective book series to make data literacy engaging and accessible for children.
- In the rapidly changing field of technology, Donelson emphasizes the importance of resilience, ownership, and adaptability for overcoming obstacles and leading product development teams effectively.
