Dr. Kate Ndi received a Humanitarian Award on Wednesday from the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., as part of the organization’s 13th anniversary Humanitarian Awards event. The ceremony took place at the Fraser Mansion in Dupont Circle. According to the Church of Scientology, the award recognized her work as Founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA Pageant, acknowledging her efforts to expand cultural awareness, empower young women, and advance human rights education.
Dr. Ndi, a Cameroonian-American based in Maryland, began her journey in the United States after moving from England. Inspired by her mother, she immersed herself in volunteer work and women’s advocacy, quickly recognizing the opportunities available for African women in the diaspora. In 2005, she founded the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant in Georgia, creating a platform for young women to develop leadership skills, represent their communities, and engage in cultural exchange. Through fashion, dance, and art, contestants bring African culture into American spaces, connecting audiences to diverse traditions and fostering dialogue.
Over the years, Dr. Ndi’s leadership transformed the pageant into more than a showcase of beauty. She integrated mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and civic engagement projects. Participants have contributed to initiatives such as youth education, public health campaigns, and refugee support programs. In 2013, she began a partnership with the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, bringing Miss Africa USA contestants to Youth for Human Rights events. This collaboration included essay contests in Nigeria based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the annual Walk for Human Rights in Washington, D.C., which stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial.
This year, Dr. Ndi brought eight contestants to the Youth for Human Rights International Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where they represented their countries as delegates. Among them was the first African-American Miss Africa USA, who now acts as the pageant’s Honorary Queen Ambassador. Throughout these projects, Dr. Ndi balanced professional responsibilities, mentorship duties, and academic pursuits, completing her doctorate while leading her organization and raising her two children.
Dr. Ndi also contributes to civic life as Maryland Governor’s Commissioner on African Affairs. Her work emphasizes connecting cultural initiatives with community development and youth leadership. She has demonstrated that a pageant can serve as a vehicle for influence, enabling young women to develop public speaking, leadership, and advocacy skills, while also promoting awareness of African cultures in the United States.
During the award presentation, the Church of Scientology credited Dr. Ndi for using art and cultural expression to inspire others. They noted her consistent efforts in expanding Miss Africa USA’s programs and her dedication to education, human rights, and cultural empowerment.
Dr. Ndi’s approach combines creativity, strategic thinking, and community engagement. By guiding the pageant and its participants, she creates spaces where African women can explore opportunities, develop confidence, and connect with audiences both locally and internationally. Her leadership has cultivated a generation of young women prepared to take on public service, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy, while remaining connected to their heritage.
The Humanitarian Award from the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office adds to Dr. Ndi’s record of achievements, recognizing her sustained commitment to service, education, and cultural exchange. She embodies how leadership and creativity can intersect, empowering communities while expanding understanding across cultures.
Dr. Ndi’s work offers a model for combining public engagement, cultural programming, and education into a unified effort that impacts communities on multiple levels. Her story shows that influence can emerge through platforms that prioritize skill development, collaboration, and meaningful representation.
