More than 200 data, analytics, and AI executives gathered at the Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop for CDO Magazine's inaugural Chicago Leadership Summit, a high-energy event bringing together thought leaders shaping the future of data and artificial intelligence.

A Fireside Chat That Shifted Perspectives
Chandra Donelson, global data strategist and bestselling author, joined Maribeth Achterberg, Chief Information & Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of The Boldt Group, for a fireside chat titled "Breaking the Mold: Bold Leadership Lessons from the Frontlines of Data & AI."

Students at Westchester Primary School had a special opportunity to welcome Chandra Donelson who brought The Data Detective experience to classrooms, inspiring curiosity, joy, and meaningful connections.

During the visit, Donelson read selections from her debut children’s book and encouraged students to approach learning with confidence. The day produced a series of memorable highlights, including the enthusiastic participation of kindergarteners who proudly demonstrated their ability to count to 100, and a particularly heartwarming moment when one student in Room 24 requested what was described as "about ten hugs."

I had the honor of meeting Chandra Donelson, who has not only dedicated herself to serving our country but is a pioneer in data literacy with a mission to help children of all ages make sense of data. Her debut children's book, "The Data Detective at the Carnival," is about a little boy who wants to be a data nerd like his mom. The story introduces children ages five to eight to the basics of data literacy, math concepts, and counting. It’s a perfect book to help children expand their critical thinking skills! Chandra’s passion to provide children with the tools necessary to navigate in a data-driven world is notable. Eager to learn more about her and her book, I invited her to answer a few questions.

The year is 2020. The world had slowed to a crawl due to the pandemic. Chandra Donelson was balancing federal data leadership, grad school, and motherhood when her four-year-old son asked a question that changed everything: “What is data?”

That moment sparked the creation of “The Data Detective at the Carnival,” a groundbreaking children’s book that brings data to life for young minds and has since inspired a global literacy movement.

Since the debut of The Data Detective at the Carnival, Chandra Donelson has been on a mission to help children and families unlock the magic of data literacy through engaging live events. Her inaugural grassroots tour, spanning from early February to late July 2025, was a vibrant series of community gatherings, professional speaking engagements, and educational programs across North America.

What started as a mother's quest to explain the concept of data to her curious four-year-old is now a global literacy movement available in five languages and counting.

Chandra Donelson's debut children's book, The Data Detective at the Carnival, is now available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, marking a major milestone in her mission to make data literacy accessible to children everywhere.

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 2020, the world paused. For Chandra Donelson, that pause came in the form of a 600-square-foot apartment, a laptop on the kitchen table, and a four-year-old son asking the most profound question of the pandemic: What is data?

Salem, NH - Bestselling children’s book author Chandra Donelson made a stop at the Barnes & Noble in Salem, New Hampshire, as part of her national book tour for The Data Detective at the Carnival.

Anaheim, CA - Author and global data leader Chandra Donelson delivered the closing keynote at Enterprise Data World (EDW), one of the industry’s largest and most respected data management conferences on May 7, 2025.

MANHATTAN, N.Y. - Author Chandra Donelson joined forces with Uptown Literacy Lights for a special community event hosted at the STEM Institute of Manhattan (P.S. 241), aimed at promoting data literacy and family-centered learning on April 26, 2025.

Vienna, VA - Author and data leader Chandra Donelson participated in Navy Federal Credit Union's Bring Your Kid to Work Day, where she partnered with members of the organization's data and analytics teams to lead an interactive session that introduced children to the world of data.

MONTRÉAL, CANADA – Author Chandra Donelson headlined the World AI Summit in Montréal as part of her 2025 book tour. Donelson joined Fawn Hudgens, Chief Editor and Content Director at Inspired Minds, for a fireside chat focused on the human side of artificial intelligence and how organizations can quickly and responsibly adopt emerging technologies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - When Chandra Donelson set out to write The Data Detective at the Carnival, she wanted to make data literacy engaging and accessible for all children. What she didn't expect was that the book would reconnect her with an old friend and lead to a Spanish translation with a meaningful purpose.

CHICAGO, IL - Author Chandra Donelson made a stop in Chicago as part of her national 2025 book tour, holding a well-attended reading of The Data Detective at the Carnival at Barnes & Noble.

DAYTON, OH – Author Chandra Donelson hosted a special book reading of The Data Detective at the Carnival at Barnes & Noble Beavercreek, joined by Deputy Sheriff Chrystal Bowers of the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Author Chandra Donelson visited the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh to read her bestselling children's book, The Data Detective at the Carnival, to a group of approximately 50 children.