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

The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office celebrated its 13th anniversary at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, hosting an event that brought together community members to honor individuals and organizations for their humanitarian contributions through the arts. Executive Director Beth Akiyama provided an overview of the National Affairs Office's work over the past year across multiple domains including arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and international religious freedom protection.

The Arts Humanitarian Awards, inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's statement that 'A civilization is as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists,' formed the centerpiece of the celebration. 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 showcases Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies, and other organizations, making these cultural venues accessible to the community free of charge. William (Bill) McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle BID, accepted the award from Reverend Susan Taylor of the Church of Scientology, noting their years of collaboration on community projects.

Dr. Kate Ndi, founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA pageant, received the second Arts Humanitarian Award for her work empowering young African women in the United States to become leaders while promoting African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants in the pageant, which requires humanitarian platforms in areas such as human rights, disability rights, arts, or education, work to improve society through their initiatives. Dr. Ndi's dedication has impacted hundreds of African women throughout the pageant's 20-year history, including leading a delegation of Miss Africa USA 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 at https://www.youthforhumanrights.org.

The final recognition was a Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian Award presented to Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). For 25 years, their love of classical piano music has inspired adult, nonprofessional pianists to participate in WIPAC competitions that foster appreciation of classical music while celebrating those who play for the love of the art. Established in 2002, WIPAC has hosted 20 annual competitions attracting nonprofessional pianists from around the world to Washington, DC. During the acceptance, John Gardecki, an accomplished amateur pianist, performed three classical pieces, while Chateau acknowledged long-time WIPAC champion Rhoda Septilici, who first connected WIPAC with the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2013.

The event highlighted the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office's ongoing commitment to recognizing individuals and organizations that use artistic expression to create positive social change. The office, which represents the Church in the nation's capital, collaborates with numerous organizations to advance human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally through initiatives like those honored at the anniversary celebration.