Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Honors Arts Humanitarians at 13th Anniversary Event

The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office marked its 13th anniversary with an event at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, presenting Arts Humanitarian Awards to individuals and groups for their efforts to improve society through artistic endeavors. Executive Director Beth Akiyama outlined the office's work over the past year in areas including arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and international religious freedom protection. The awards were 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 by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID). This monthly event highlights Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies, and other organizations, opening venues to the community free of charge and allowing artists to display their work throughout the area, including at the Fraser Mansion. William (Bill) McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle BID, accepted the award from Reverend Susan Taylor of the Church of Scientology. McLeod, who has promoted Dupont Circle for over 20 years, explained the Art Walk's origins, noting that the area transitioned from a luxurious residential zone to an art gallery hub, and expressed pleasure in collaborating with galleries, organizations, and the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office.

The second award recipient was Dr. Kate Ndi, founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA pageant, which empowers young African women in the United States to become leaders while promoting their cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants must maintain humanitarian platforms focusing on human rights, disability rights, arts, education, or similar causes. Dr. Ndi's work has empowered hundreds of African women over the pageant's 20-year history, and in July, she led a delegation of 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 and emphasized that the award recognized using arts through fashion and cultural enrichment to impact humanity.

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). Inspired by their love of classical piano music, they created a competition for adult, nonprofessional pianists 25 years ago, with WIPAC established in 2002. The council has held 20 annual competitions that foster appreciation of classical music while acknowledging those who play for the love of music. Chateau Gardecki thanked her board members and shared her message: "Love only grows if you share it," also acknowledging long-time WIPAC champion Rhoda Septilici, who first introduced WIPAC to the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2013. John Gardecki, an accomplished amateur pianist, concluded the ceremony with a performance of three classical piano pieces.

The event underscored the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office's commitment to recognizing individuals who enrich society through humanitarian efforts, as the office represents the Church in the nation's capital and collaborates with organizations to advance human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally. By honoring these arts humanitarians, the office highlights the role of artistic initiatives in building community, promoting cultural exchange, and addressing social issues, reinforcing the importance of creative expression in driving positive change and fostering a more engaged and compassionate society.