Building Bridges Through Heritage: A SIPA Alumna’s Path from Cleantech to Cultural Diplomacy

SIPA graduate Annie Liang-Zhou weaves together her experiences as a founder, investor, and global nonprofit leader to create a unique approach that blends diplomacy with sustainable development and cultural preservation. After helping to launch a cleantech private equity fund focused on sustainable technologies, she cofounded the Junior Board of the World Monuments Fund in 2020 to engage a new generation of cultural heritage supporters. In 2024, she led the launch of the organization’s China office. Now pursuing her third master’s degree in historic preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, Liang-Zhou reflects on her time at SIPA and her journey from impact investing to global cultural diplomacy, discussing how the school shaped her cross-sector leadership, what inspired her shift into cultural heritage, and how she’s using preservation as a tool for international cooperation.

Let’s talk about your time at SIPA. What experiences had a lasting influence on your career direction?
I loved my experience at SIPA — it was truly formative both academically and personally. Some of the courses that had a lasting impact on me included my economic development course with Miguel Urquiola, which deepened my understanding of global growth dynamics, and the business leadership course with Bill Eimicke, which gave me valuable tools for cross-sector management. I also greatly enjoyed the China and the Global Economy course with Dan Rosen, a class that was especially meaningful as I’ve stayed in touch with him over the years. Lastly, the campaign management course with Jef Pollock stood out for its practical insights into political strategy and communication. Each of these classes helped shape my interdisciplinary approach to policy and leadership.

What extracurriculars or internships were most meaningful to you during your time at SIPA?
My Capstone with the Brookings Institution helped me to truly understand how a major think tank approaches global issues, dialogue, and rigorous research. My participation as the MPA career and alumni affairs chair in SIPASA was deeply meaningful and my department research assistantship with Professor Elisabeth Lindenmayer were the most enriching parts of my extracurricular time at SIPA. I am still in touch with Professor Lindenmayer, and she has had a profound influence in my life and career with her strong moral character, her strength as a peacekeeper, and her endeavors to fight for peace in conflict zones around the world.

You’ve founded businesses and helped launch a private equity fund. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards in taking on such entrepreneurial roles? 
When I was invited to join a new private equity fund investing in sustainable technologies, I was very grateful for the public policy and government relations skills I learned at SIPA, which helped me to grow the fund and help it navigate important policy and cross-border challenges and opportunities. SIPA also equipped me with the tools and courage to pursue my own company and helped me to build a network around the world. 

How did you transition from finance and tech into the field of cultural heritage preservation? 
I am still involved with impact investing but have transitioned much of my non-profit and philanthropic commitments to cultural heritage preservation. I was serving on the board of three other non-profits but decided to step down to focus on heritage because it is such a critical time to leverage the power of culture, especially through architecture, arts, monuments, and storytelling to encourage understanding and collaboration. In a time of geopolitical uncertainty and risk, it is crucial to highlight the beauty of culture to allow people to develop empathy towards each other and to see past differences. I believe there is still a way for culture to play an important role in diplomacy.

In 2024, the World Monuments Fund officially registered its China office — marking a major milestone after nearly three decades of project-based work in the country. What motivated this expansion, and how did you lead the process of establishing a formal presence in China?
WMF has been working on projects in China since 1996 but never had an opportunity to formally register there as an international NGO. When one of the major sites in Beijing, the Central Axis, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024, WMF was invited to register formally and conduct more preservation projects in China. I was asked by the CEO of WMF to lead our efforts there and have now built a small network of people who are passionate about the arts and culture.

How has your work with WMF deepened your understanding of international cooperation, especially amid global political tensions?
Sometimes we are naive to think that arts and culture should be natural ways for nations to cooperate, when often they can be used as tools to further nationalism or certain ideals. However, WMF's work spans across borders and now has over 700 projects in more than 112 countries. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead their efforts in China, and hope that through our tangible work in heritage conservation, craftsmanship training, advocacy, and public education that we can be a beacon of light and hope for many to see the positive outcomes of our work — in providing preservation jobs, restoring cultural confidence, conserving important historical monuments, and promoting peace within and between nations.

Your work in cultural preservation spans major international projects and youth engagement initiatives. What are some of the preservation efforts you’re most proud of?
We are excited to have been working with Palace Museum in Beijing on the Juanqinzhai in Qianlong Gardens for the past quarter century. It is an extraordinary project.

In addition, I cofounded the Junior Board of the World Monuments Fund in 2020. This has been an ever-changing and growing network within WMF to encourage young professionals to support our work around the world. Some of our efforts include helping with communications and publicity, events and programming, as well as development support for WMF.

You’re currently pursuing your third master’s degree in historic preservation. What motivated that decision, and how do you see it complementing your previous academic and professional experiences?
One of the most meaningful aspects of my work in preservation is being able to bridge history with contemporary relevance — restoring cultural heritage not just for its aesthetic value, but as a way to foster cross-cultural understanding and community pride. Whether working on-site or helping to build global support networks, because of my deep passion for the work of WMF, I thought that it would be immensely helpful for me to gain hands-on, academic, and practical knowledge about preservation, with a concentration in conservation science. So far I am really enjoying the program and feel like it has significantly enriched my understanding of the field.

Now when I speak about my work with WMF, I feel like I can have a targeted and informed dialogue around the subject. In addition, this has helped me to grow my culture company as I speak to large luxury brands and corporate partners about cultural heritage preservation and how they can support this work through their philanthropic efforts or brand awareness.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about?
We are continuing to grow the WMF support network and hope to invite many SIPA students and alumni to our future events in the US and globally. We announced our 2025 Watch Sites earlier this year – including the Yungang and Maijishan grottoes – and hope that everyone can take the opportunity to visit our beautiful sites around the world — as this is an important way to contribute positively to international relations and the betterment of the future of humankind.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you were at SIPA or to current SIPA students?
Immerse yourself in the SIPA experience and try to get involved in as many projects and student organizations as you can. I always say that what you receive from the program in terms of friendships and knowledge and wisdom is a direct result of the time that you commit to enriching your career and life. Don't spend all of your time studying, but instead work to experience the program in its full capacity.