The latest installment in our Q&A series with women leaders in data features Chandra Donelson, chief data and AI officer at the United States Space Force and author of “The Data Detective.” (Read our previous Q&A here.)
Chandra Donelson wears many data-driven hats: In her official capacity, she serves as the chief data and AI officer for the United States Space Force, responsible for establishing data policies, frameworks, and standards. She’s also a board member and founder of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia chapter of Women in Data, and the best-selling author of “The Data Detective,” a book series and global initiative aimed at making data literacy fun and accessible for kids. In her previous role as the chief data and AI officer for the Air Force, Chandra helped launch the department’s first AI governance platform. We asked her about what inspired her to succeed as a woman in data management. You can follow Chandra on LinkedIn.
What inspired you to choose a career in data and become a leader in the field?
My career path was anything but traditional. I opened a formalwear store in Texas at 14, went to college on a track and field scholarship to study business, and somewhere along the way, I found myself in a recruiter’s office swearing into the United States Air Force. I didn’t know it then, but that moment I took my oath became my entry point into the field of data and artificial intelligence.
I’ve always been drawn to solving complex, layered problems. In one of my early roles, I helped solve a 15-year-old challenge just six months into the job. That caught the attention of several C-suite leaders – but more importantly, it caught mine.
That was the moment the young, introverted me realized something important: the traits I had once been told were weaknesses – risk-taking, option-oriented, curious, persuasive – were actually strengths in the tech space. I didn’t need to change who I was. I just needed to change my environment.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career?
The biggest challenge in my career? Thinking I had to be all things to all people. I was afraid to say no – so I said yes to everything. Every task. Every request. Every opportunity. I thought that’s what strong leaders did. And as the underdog, I felt like I had something to prove. But over time, I learned the real competitive advantage is boundaries. Saying no so you can say yes to what truly moves your “why” forward.
Best advice you’d give to other women aspiring to work in data?
Ownership. In my opinion, a sense of ownership is one of the key ingredients in leading product development teams. While it may seem difficult to achieve in a fast-paced growth environment, team empowerment is crucial for success. To ensure people care about the results, leaders should include everyone in a team – from managers to interns – in the decision-making process.
Resilience is also very important. No matter the obstacles or difficulties that we encounter during our professional journey, a sense of resilience can teach us to never give up. This is particularly important when you are coming into the market as an underdog.
You must also prioritize building trust with your team. Without honest communication and empathy, no team is a healthy team and no manager is a leader. The threat usually isn’t your competition, it’s the idea that your team was too hesitant to share. So create a space where your personnel have no hesitation in sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Where do you see the future of women in data?
The women leading in this space aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. They’re flipping old models, asking better questions, and showing up fully. Success in this field demands adaptability. Things move fast. What worked yesterday might be irrelevant tomorrow – and that’s not a setback, it’s an opportunity. When the market shifts, shift with it. But do it with intention. Do it with purpose. And whatever you do, stay rooted in your why.
Learn more about our Women in Data Management and Governance community here and sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates.
