FILIPINO ENGINEER MAKES WAVES GLOBALLY AFTER INCREDIBLE JOURNEY FROM PRISON TO PROFESSION
Filipina creativity continues to shine on the world stage as Los Angeles–based artist Kimberly Ann Cruz, 27, secures her spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2026. Selected under the Art & Style category, Kim joins a new generation of changemakers recognized across 20 global industries.
Kim earned her place on this year’s list for her powerful paintings that celebrate the female figure and for her meaningful work through the Kalma Art Foundation, a non-profit organization she founded. The foundation supports remote communities in the Philippines by providing art workshops, supplies, classes, and scholarships for children. It also offers art therapy for young survivors of human trafficking and sponsors local shelters. A portion of Kim’s art sales goes directly to sustaining these programs.
In an Instagram post, Kim looked back on her journey and the purpose behind her foundation. She shared that she built it out of her love for art and her commitment to staying connected to her Filipino roots.
“Still so much to learn but after 4 years of pursuing my dreams in the art world and being based in 3 different continents,” she wrote. “I can proudly say I am becoming who I envision to be more and more everyday.”
She also expressed in her Instagram Stories that being included in the Forbes list felt surreal, adding that “the little girl in her would be so proud she pursued her dreams and took some risks.”
Support quickly poured in from celebrities including Nadine Lustre, Sarah Lahbati, and Black Eyed Peas’ apl.de.ap, who celebrated her milestone.
This year’s U.S. lineup also includes notable personalities such as Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen under the Sports category—who earlier this year married Oscar-nominated Filipino-American actress Hailee Steinfeld.
In the Hollywood & Entertainment category, names like Mikey Madison, Aul’i Cravalho, Lola Tung, Emma Myers, Miles Caton, Marissa Bode, Chase Infiniti, and Sophie Thatcher were also recognized.
The Music category features standout artists including Doechii, Benson Boone, Alex Warren, Rebecca Black, UMI, and Audrey Nuna, known for her work on “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.
Last year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list also highlighted Filipino talent, featuring Filipina-American beauty queen Marizza Delgado and Filipino-Canadian racing driver Samantha Tan.
Kimberly Ann Cruz’s achievement is another proud moment for the Filipino creative community—a reminder of how far passion, purpose, and cultural roots can take someone on the global stage.
#FilipinaArtist #Forbes30Under30 #KimberlyAnnCruz #DestinationPH
Content information from: Destination PH
