The PennZone

PITTSBURGH - PennZone -- PITTSBURGH, PA – Author and data literacy advocate Chandra Donelson joined Rachel Brecht for a featured fireside chat at the Innovation Summit engaging attendees with a conversation titled "Can You Innovate Like a 2nd Grader?"

The session explored the power of curiosity, simplicity, and imagination—qualities often found in young children—that can spark bold, breakthrough thinking in complex environments like data, AI, and emerging technology. Donelson, author of The Data Detective at the Carnival, shared insights from her experience writing the book with her 7-year-old son and the lessons leaders can learn from how children explore problems and ask questions.

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"Second graders aren't afraid to say 'what if,' and that's where innovation begins," said Donelson during the discussion. "We need to create space in our organizations for that kind of thinking—unfiltered, imaginative, and driven by the desire to understand."

Following the chat, Donelson signed books for attendees, offering personalized copies of The Data Detective at the Carnival—a children's book that makes data concepts accessible and fun for early learners.

The fireside chat was one of the standout moments of the summit, reinforcing the need for childlike curiosity in driving meaningful innovation.

To learn more about Chandra Donelson, her book, or to request a visit or speaking engagement, visit www.thedatadetective.org or contact contact@thedatadetective.org.