WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office celebrated thirteen years of community engagement with a celebration and Humanitarian Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 22. The event, held at the organization’s Fraser Mansion headquarters, brought together partners and dignitaries for an evening that recognized outstanding service.
Guests gathered first for a light dinner in the historic Pennsylvania Room. Beth Akiyama, the Executive Director, then opened the formal program by welcoming attendees, including Mrs. Zumrud Ibrahim, the wife of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan.
Akiyama presented a detailed account of the office’s work over the past year. She explained that the Fraser Mansion, which first housed the founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C., in 1996, was renovated in 2012 to become the National Affairs Office. Her review covered a wide range of initiatives, from the Drug-Free World campaign and the disaster response efforts of the Volunteer Ministers to advocacy for human rights and religious freedom. She noted the office’s work with the Citizens Commission on Human Rights and its partnerships with groups like Art Impact International and the Miss Africa USA pageant.
Following this overview, the ceremony moved to the presentation of the Humanitarian Awards.
The first honor of the evening went to civic visionary William McLeod. McLeod received the award for his sustained contributions to community development and public service. The second award recognized Dr. Kate Ndi, the founder of the Miss Africa USA pageant. Reverend Susan Taylor, who presented the award, detailed a twelve-year partnership that began with a human rights essay contest. She praised Dr. Ndi for empowering thousands of young African women in the diaspora to become leaders and goodwill ambassadors.
The final award celebrated Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC), which is observing its 25th anniversary. The presenters commended the couple for creating a global platform for non-professional classical pianists. Prior to the acceptance speech, John Gardecki performed a selection of piano pieces for the audience. He and his wife Chateau then took the podium together to accept their award.
Beth Akiyama concluded the ceremony by quoting Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard: “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.”
The event continued with guests enjoying dessert and wine in the Pennsylvania Room, building fellowship among the participants.
