FAQ: Church of Scientology National Affairs Office 13th Anniversary and Arts Humanitarian Awards

What was the purpose of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office’s 13th Anniversary event?

The event commemorated the office’s 13th anniversary and honored individuals and groups for their humanitarian efforts to improve society through the arts, bringing the community together at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC.

Who received Arts Humanitarian Awards at the event?

Three recipients were honored: First Friday: Dupont Circle Art Walk (represented by William McLeod), Dr. Kate Ndi of Miss Africa USA pageant, and a final Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian award recipient (though the article cuts off before naming this third awardee).

What is the First Friday: Dupont Circle Art Walk and why was it recognized?

The First Friday: Dupont Circle Art Walk is a monthly event organized by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District that highlights local art galleries, embassies, and organizations, opening these venues to the community free of charge and allowing artists to display their work throughout the area.

How does Dr. Kate Ndi’s Miss Africa USA pageant promote humanitarian causes?

The Miss Africa USA pageant empowers young African women in the US to become leaders by promoting their unique African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances, while requiring participants to have humanitarian platforms in areas like human rights, disability rights, arts, or education.

What was the inspiration behind the Arts Humanitarian Awards?

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.’

Where and when did the 13th Anniversary event take place?

The event was held at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, which houses the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, on October 30, 2025.

What areas of work did the National Affairs Office highlight during the event?

Executive Director Beth Akiyama provided an overview of the office’s work in the fields of arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and the protection of religious freedom internationally.

How has Dr. Kate Ndi connected her work with international human rights initiatives?

In July, Dr. Ndi led a delegation of Miss Africa USA finalists to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where they represented six countries at the Youth for Human Rights International Summit, which is sponsored by the Church of Scientology International.