Charlotte Ashamu has been appointed as the Director of International Programs at the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH). Ashamu will lead IPCH’s international strategy through public outreach and partnerships with museums, cultural institutions, and heritage bodies worldwide.
Established in 2011, the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage is the collaborative hub of preservation and conservation expertise across Yale’s museum and library collections, focusing on collections stewardship, ground-breaking research, and teaching, learning, and mentorship programs that engages students, faculty, and experts from across campus and around the globe.
Ashamu brings over 20 years of experience as a senior manager in international affairs working across public, private, and non-profit organizations. She is also a creative enterprise founder, lecturer and consultant recognized for her expertise in cultural entrepreneurship, cultural policy, and economic development.
As Director of International Programs, Ashamu’ s role will include developing innovative educational programs and professional development opportunities as part of IPCH’s renewed commitment to serve a new generation of leaders dedicated to preserving and interpreting the world’s cultural heritage. IPCH’s international programs will place a strategic focus on the African continent, building on Yale’s Africa Initiative, a university-wide effort launched by President Peter Salovey in 2013 to prioritize and expand Yale’s commitment to Africa.
“We are thrilled to welcome Charlotte to the IPCH, where her leadership and expertise will be invaluable in amplifying the work of our campus experts and expanding our reach to students, faculty, and scholars in ways that benefit the global heritage community,” said Alison Gilchrest, Director of the IPCH.
“Working alongside conservators and research scientists, Charlotte will build an internationally focused program that forges partnerships and programs focused on fulfilling and elevating our mission globally.”
Prior to joining Yale, Ashamu served as the Associate Director of Advancement and External Affairs at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Previously she was Senior Advisor and Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellow at the African Development Bank in the Office of the President and the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department. In addition, she served as Program Officer in the Advisory Services Department at the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. Ashamu began her career as an international trade specialist at global consulting firms Whitaker Group and Abt Associates in Washington, DC. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Africana Studies from Wellesley College. A graduate of the Paris Fashion Institute, Ashamu has produced cultural programs and exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and designers from across Africa and has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. She currently serves on the advisory council of the Madeleine Korbel Albright Institute for Global Affairs and on the boards of several non-profit organizations.
“I am inspired and excited by the opportunity to build new connections between Yale and IPCH and leaders advancing cultural heritage preservation in the Africa region and globally,” said Ashamu, who commences her appointment immediately. “I am honored to join IPCH as it further expands its global reach and impact – creating a unique space for learning, creativity, and innovation.”
