The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office commemorated its 13th Anniversary event at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, bringing the community together to honor individuals and groups for their humanitarian efforts to improve society through the arts. Executive Director Beth Akiyama provided an overview of the National Affairs Office's work over the past year in fields including arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and international religious freedom protection.
The Arts Humanitarian Awards were presented following Akiyama's overview, inspired by a quote from Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard: "A civilization is as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists." The first award recognized the First Friday: Dupont Circle Art Walk, organized and promoted by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID). This monthly event highlights Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies, and other organizations, opening these hidden gems to the community free of charge while allowing artists to display their work in venues throughout the area, including the Fraser Mansion that houses the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office.
William (Bill) McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID), accepted the Arts Humanitarian Award from Reverend Susan Taylor of the Church of Scientology. McLeod, who has worked to promote Dupont Circle for over 20 years, explained the Art Walk's origins: "Dupont Circle used to be a luxurious residential area. As times changed, what became the thing to do in Dupont Circle was to have an art gallery." He expressed pleasure in working with galleries, organizations, and the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office throughout these years.
The second award recipient was Dr. Kate Ndi, founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA pageant. Through Dr. Ndi's work, young African women living in the United States are empowered to become leaders while promoting their unique African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants must maintain humanitarian platforms addressing human rights, disability rights, arts, education, or similar causes through which they strive to improve society. Dr. Ndi's dedication has empowered hundreds of African women throughout Miss Africa USA's 20-year history, including leading a delegation of finalists to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City for the Youth for Human Rights International Summit sponsored by the Church of Scientology International.
When accepting her award, Dr. Ndi called Miss Africa USA's Honorary Queen Ambassador Porscha Taylor, Miss Africa USA Congeniality 2025 Atemkeng Tazi, and Miss Universe Eritrea Snit Tewoldemedhin to join her. She emphasized that the award recognized both her efforts and those of pageant participants, stating, "This award is about using the arts through fashion and cultural enrichment to impact humanity and make the world a better place."
The final award was a Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian Award presented to Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). Twenty-five years ago, their love of classical piano music inspired them to create a competition for adult, nonprofessional pianists. Established in 2002, WIPAC has held 20 annual competitions for nonprofessional pianists who come to Washington, DC, from around the world to extend their artistry in competition. In accepting the award, Chateau thanked board members and supporters, stating, "I only have one message: Love only grows if you share it." John Gardecki, a highly accomplished amateur pianist, performed three classical piano pieces during the event.
The event underscored the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office's commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who enrich society through humanitarian efforts. The office represents the Church in the Nation's Capital and collaborates with numerous organizations to improve human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally through initiatives like the Youth for Human Rights International Summit at https://www.youthforhumanrights.org.
