Filipina Artist Kim Cruz Makes It to Forbes' 30 Under 30 for 2026

A Filipina artist has made her mark on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026. Kim Cruz, a Los Angeles–based painter and a Preview Creative 25 2025 honoree, joins the annual roster spotlighting young leaders shaping the future of culture, innovation, and social impact.

Media company Forbes recently unveiled its 15th annual 30 Under 30 list for 2026, highlighting 600 young leaders across 20 industries who are making a global impact in business, culture, and innovation. 

Among this year’s honorees for the Art and Style category is the 27-year-old Filipina artist Kim Cruz, whose work often centers on the female figure and has been exhibited internationally, from Barcelona to Miami. Beyond her studio practice, she runs the Kalma Art Foundation, a nonprofit that organizes art workshops, provides supplies and scholarships to children in remote Philippine communities, and offers art therapy for children rescued from human trafficking. A portion of her own art sales supports the foundation’s programs.

She marked the recognition on Instagram, writing, “What an honor, thank you @forbes @forbesunder30.” Reflecting on her journey across three continents over the past four years, Kim added, “I can proudly say I am becoming who I envision to be more and more every day.” 

“I started @kalmafoundation a couple years ago out of my love for art and as a way to stay connected to my roots,” the artist wrote. “Forever thankful for the support that we have received so far.”

This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list also includes tennis star Coco Gauff, Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison, XO, Kitty star Anna Cathcart, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, chart-topping musician Alex Warren, and AI entrepreneur Jesse Zhang.