ABC7 Special: Profiles of Excellence

"Profiles of Excellence" is an Emmy Award-winning series produced by the ABC7 Public Affairs Department to celebrate the Bay Area's rich cultural diversity. For the past 26 years, the program has been featuring local residents who have made important contributions to the community.

Hosted by ABC7 News Anchor Ama Daetz, "Profiles of Excellence" features five truly impressive individuals.

Marga Gomez: Learn how longtime local comic Marga Gomez got her start on stage, and the many exciting roads her career has followed. She's a teacher, a playwright, actor, event host, and so much more.

Website: www.margagomez.com

Hans Wu: Our second story profiles the Race Director for the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA). Hans Wu has spent years spreading his love for the sport of dragon boating, highlighting the cultural history and the camaraderie inherent in the sport.

Website: www.cdba.org

Jarvis Sulcer, PhD: Dr. Jarvis Sulcer is a scientist dedicated to bringing more young people of color into the exciting arenas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). He leads the Level Playing Field Institute, which offers unique programs to get kids engaged in STEM.

Website: www.lpfi.org

Catherine Kudlick, PhD: History professor Dr. Catherine Kudlick serves as the Director of the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University. Blind at birth, Dr. Kudlick has focused her career on shifting how people think about the disability community.

Website: www.longmoreinstitute.sfsu.edu

Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley: Our final profile spotlights the amazing team behind the IHC, which offers medical, dental, mental health, and cultural services for the South Bay, with a special focus on the Native American community.

Website: www.indianhealthcenter.org

The beautiful new Center for History and Culture opened in Hayward in June of 2014. As part of the Hayward Area Historical Society, the museum offers a glimpse into the area's past, present, and future, celebrating the diverse heritage of the East Bay community. Four unique galleries provide space for exhibits that will educate and entertain everyone, from kids to adults!

Website: www.haywardareahistory.org