Tsione Wolde-Michael is an experienced arts administrator, historian, curator, and thought leader with over 15 years dedicated to public service. Her distinguished career in arts and public humanities has focused on developing innovative approaches to community engagement, collections management, cultural heritage stewardship, and exhibitions.   

Wolde-Michael started her career in public history in 2011 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), where she worked to create inaugural exhibitions including the landmark Slavery and Freedom exhibition. At NMAAHC, she also managed archaeology and heritage work for the museum’s largest international program—the Slave Wrecks Project—including curatorial content, research design, exhibition development, and community engagement across five countries.     

Her international projects in Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Africa, Ireland, and the United Kingdom resulted in the development of groundbreaking exhibitions that resonated with diverse audiences by blending local perspectives with global narratives. Wolde-Michael’s ability to co-create culturally significant exhibitions has earned her numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including from the Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, the Fulbright Program, the Department of Education, and the Aspen Institute among others.  

Beyond museum walls, Wolde-Michael has led innovative digital media and online exhibitions, curated visual art collections, contributed to academic publications, and taught and lectured widely across the country. She holds a B.A. from Macalester College and an M.A. in History from Harvard University.