About David White

I'm a technologist, data leader, and educator devoted to using data and technology to solve real-world problems and inspiring others to do the same. As the founder and principal of Changemaker Data, I work at the intersection of data expertise and community impact, helping mission-driven organizations transform complex information into strategic action.

Throughout my career, I've witnessed a persistent disconnect between the numbers on a page and our understanding of what those numbers mean in human terms. From this experience, I've developed three core imperatives for myself and for anyone who aspires to create real impact with data. In my work, I strive to:

1. Illuminate data by placing it into context and revealing hidden connections

2. Humanize data by incorporating empathy and thoughtfulness into the design of data systems and data reporting

3. Democratize data by giving all stakeholders access to actionable information in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-use format

My journey to this work took a non-traditional path—through music. As a jazz composer and arranger, I learned to see patterns in musical scores, discovering how different instrumental voices could weave together to create something beautiful and meaningful. When I started working with spreadsheets and code, I found myself applying the same kind of pattern recognition. I started to recognize the data in music, and the music in data. Whether composing music or orchestrating data, the fundamental task is the same: taking individual elements and arranging them in ways that help others not only see something they hadn't seen before, but also benefit from that new perspective.

This perspective first found purpose in public education, where I began as a New York City Teaching Fellow, witnessing firsthand the urgent need to combat systemic inequities. Later, in data leadership roles working with teachers and administrators, I developed dashboard systems that transformed student data into actionable insights, helping educators make better-informed decisions about how to best support their students.

That early experience taught me that the most powerful data tools aren't necessarily the ones with the most complex algorithms—they're the ones that enable people to understand what's happening and take meaningful action. This insight has guided my work across sectors, from supporting political campaigns to helping nonprofits measure their impact. As Data Director for Randi McCallian's congressional campaign and through my work at Zinc Collective supporting other progressive campaigns, I've implemented these imperatives—transforming complex voter data into clear strategy, designing accessible dashboards for campaign staff, and empowering volunteers to use data strategically. As a Project Lead with Bluebonnet Data, I've led volunteer teams supporting candidates who are working to create positive change in their communities, helping them use data to reach voters more effectively.

Teaching and mentoring have become central to my mission of democratizing data skills and developing community leaders. Through Generation Data, I've put the democratization of data into action, developing curriculum and leading trainings that make complex concepts accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. As Institute Chair and Board Member with New Leaders Council's NYC chapter, I guide emerging leaders in developing their potential for creating local impact. My approach emphasizes hands-on practice and real-world application—because I believe the best way to learn skills is by using them to solve problems you care about.

These imperatives of illuminating, humanizing, and democratizing data have shaped Changemaker Data's upcoming training series, "Data Skills for People Who Want to Change the World." Each course is designed to meet learners where they are, combining technical skills with practical applications for social impact.

When we combine practical analysis with authentic human connection, we transform abstract numbers into compelling narratives that move people to action. In my Spark!Talk below, I share more about this approach to humanizing data and creating lasting impact—drawing on examples from education, politics, and community organizing to show how anyone can become an effective data storyteller: