The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office marked its 13th anniversary with an event at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, honoring individuals and groups for humanitarian efforts to improve society through the arts. Executive Director Beth Akiyama provided an overview of the 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. This monthly event highlights Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies, and other organizations, opening these venues to the community free of charge and allowing artists to display their work throughout the area, including at the Fraser Mansion that houses the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office.
William (Bill) McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District, 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 the years.
The second award recipient was Dr. Kate Ndi, founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA pageant. Through her 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 focusing on human rights, disability rights, arts, education, or similar causes aimed at improving society. Dr. Ndi's dedication has empowered hundreds of African women throughout Miss Africa USA's 20-year history. In July, she led a delegation of Miss Africa USA finalists to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where they represented six countries at the Youth for Human Rights International Summit, sponsored by the Church of Scientology International at https://www.youthforhumanrights.org.
When accepting her award, Dr. Ndi called several pageant participants to join her, including Miss Africa USA's Honorary Queen Ambassador Porscha Taylor, Miss Africa USA Congeniality 2025 Atemkeng Tazi, and Miss Universe Eritrea Snit Tewoldemedhin. She emphasized that the award recognized both her efforts and those of the 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 presented was a Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian Award to Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council. Twenty-five years ago, their love of classical piano music inspired them to create a competition for adult, nonprofessional pianists. WIPAC, established in 2002, has held 20 annual competitions that foster appreciation of classical music while acknowledging those who play simply for the love of music. Chateau Gardecki thanked her board members and all who helped make WIPAC successful, sharing her fundamental message: "Love only grows if you share it." She also acknowledged long-time WIPAC champion Rhoda Septilici, who first introduced WIPAC to the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2013. John Gardecki, a highly accomplished amateur pianist, concluded the ceremony with a moving performance of three classical piano pieces.
The event highlighted 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 advance human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally.
