Data Sector Female Figure: Chandra Donelson Spotlighted
Chandra Donelson: Pioneering Data Leadership in the Space Force
Chandra Donelson, a trailblazer in the field of data and artificial intelligence (AI), currently serves as the Chief Data and AI Officer at the United States Space Force. In this role, she is responsible for establishing data policies, frameworks, and standards for the organisation.
Donelson's journey into the tech world began when she swore into the United States Air Force. Her unique career path, however, was not traditional. At just 14, she opened a formalwear store, and later, she studied business on a track and field scholarship.
One of her biggest career challenges was trying to be all things to all people. She learned the importance of setting boundaries to focus on what truly moves her "why" forward. This resilience and adaptability have served her well, as she found success early in her career, solving a 15-year-old challenge just six months into a role.
Donelson's tenure as the chief data and AI officer for the Air Force saw her launching the department's first AI governance platform. In her current role at the Space Force, she continues to wear many data-driven hats, with a focus on AI and data utility in space-related contexts.
Donelson predicts that women leading in the data field are not afraid to challenge the status quo and show up fully. She encourages staying rooted in one's "why" in the fast-moving data field. She also emphasizes the importance of a sense of ownership in leading product development teams and team empowerment in fast-paced growth environments.
Building trust with a team through honest communication and empathy is another key aspect of her leadership style. She stresses the need for creating a space where team members have no hesitation in sharing their thoughts and opinions.
In addition to her professional achievements, Donelson is also the author of the book series "The Data Detective," aimed at making data literacy fun and accessible for kids. She is also a board member and founder of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia chapter of Women in Data.
Despite the lack of publicly available detailed information about her educational and professional background prior to becoming the chief data and AI officer at the United States Space Force, Donelson's contributions to the field of data and AI, particularly in the military sector, are undeniable.
- Chandra Donelson, in her role as Chief Data and AI Officer at the United States Space Force, prioritizes diversity-and-inclusion in technology, encouraging women in data leadership to challenge the status quo.
- Her leadership style emphasizes ownership, team empowerment, and honest communication, fostering a collaborative environment for career-development and education-and-self-development.
- Beyond her professional achievements, Donelson is also engaged in promoting data literacy among youth and championing diversity in the data management field, as seen in her authoring of the "The Data Detective" book series and founding of Women in Data chapters.
- The financial impact of her data management and artificial intelligence strategies, leading to the creation of the Air Force's first AI governance platform, signals her significant contributions to the broader business sector, including finance and space.
