Yale University’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) has selected the second cohort of the Yale Directors Forum (YDF), an international fellowship program for cultural heritage leaders. The cohort includes 12 leaders from nine countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
YDF is a global network of accomplished leaders working to preserve, protect, and share cultural heritage in both tangible and intangible forms, including artworks, photographs, archives, and other cultural collections, as well as living traditions such as cuisine, music, and practices passed across generations.
“This cohort reflects the breadth and depth of leadership shaping the cultural heritage sector globally today,” said Charlotte Ashamu, Director of International Programs at Yale IPCH. “The fellows represent institutions ranging from community-based heritage sites and cultural centers to leading museums, as well as practitioners working to sustain rich traditions in areas such as cuisine and textile design. Together, they bring perspectives from institutions stewarding cultural collections and those preserving living traditions in their communities, enriching the exchange between Yale and cultural leaders worldwide.”
Now in its second cycle, the 12-month fellowship builds on Yale’s broader Africa initiative and reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening long-term partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across Africa. Through convenings, workshops, and engagement with Yale faculty and peers, fellows deepen expertise in cultural heritage leadership and expand professional networks while strengthening their institutions’ capacity to care for collections such as photographs, artworks, and historical documents.
To date, the program has had 16 fellows, trained more than 80 professionals, and supported the establishment of eight conservation centers across Africa. The second cohort further strengthens connections between Africa and the African diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Through YDF, Yale is expanding its global engagement in cultural heritage by building sustained relationships with leading institutions and practitioners across regions, creating opportunities for deeper knowledge exchange, collaboration, and shared learning.
