Donte Woods-Spikes

Donte Woods-Spikes is known within the Columbus community for various forms of work such as professional speaking which landed him on the TEDx Stage and Sundance Film Festival for his film, As a Matter of Black. In 2021, Donte became an author writing his first book, So. Long.: Unfinished Good-byes with the Children of COVID-19 which revisits powerful lessons children taught him during his time working in Columbus City Schools before the pandemic. His book has been highlighted in the The Thurber House, and Buckeye Book Festival, and Ohioana Library Association which he serves as a board member.

Donte is an advocate for storytelling of all forms. His contributions to encouraging authentic storytelling include working alongside The Columbus Foundation as a Big Table ambassador and a TEDx organizer. He started his own storytelling workshop titled Voices of Empathy which walks people through organizing stories and presenting in front of crowds. Donte is co-creator of the bi-monthly initiative [good]men “City Walks” which invites men from all walks of life to explore central Ohio while engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Donte is also the creator of the social movement Empathize With Me. EWM's goal is to provide genuine lessons, relationships, and empathy through storytelling. Donte's overall goal is to educate and connect the world beyond perceptions and stereotypes with authentic experiences through storytelling and documentation.