Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Honors Arts Humanitarians at 13th Anniversary Celebration
The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office recognized three recipients for their humanitarian contributions through arts initiatives during its 13th anniversary event in Washington, DC.
The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office commemorated its 13th anniversary at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, hosting an event that brought 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 across multiple fields including arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and international religious freedom protection.
The Arts Humanitarian Awards were presented following Akiyama's overview, with inspiration drawn from a quote by 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 cultural venues 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 his two decades of work promoting Dupont Circle and his collaboration with the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office.
The second award honored 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 unique African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants must maintain humanitarian platforms addressing issues such as human rights, disability rights, arts, or education. Through her 20-year leadership, Dr. Ndi has empowered hundreds of African women, recently 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. When accepting the award, Dr. Ndi emphasized that the recognition belonged to pageant participants as well, stating the award represented "using the arts through fashion and cultural enrichment to impact humanity and make the world a better place."
The final presentation was a Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian Award given to Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). Established in 2002, WIPAC has conducted 20 annual competitions for nonprofessional pianists who travel to Washington, DC, from around the world to extend their artistry in competitive settings. The Gardeckis' love of classical piano music inspired them to create opportunities for adult, nonprofessional pianists to showcase their talent simply for the love of music. In her acceptance, Chateau Gardecki thanked embassy liaison Rhoda Septilici, who first introduced WIPAC to the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2013, and delivered the message: "Love only grows if you share it." John Gardecki, an accomplished amateur pianist, concluded the ceremony with a performance of three classical piano pieces.
The event highlighted the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office's ongoing commitment to recognizing individuals who enrich society through humanitarian efforts in the arts. 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.