Filipina artist, Kimberly Ann Cruz, made it to the “Forbes 30 Under 30” class of 2026 for the Art & Style category.
Earlier this week, Forbes officially unveiled the “Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026,” describing its members as the new class of innovators making history. From celebrities, entrepreneurs, healthcare practitioners, and artists—the class of 2026 consists of creatives and founders aged 29 or younger, and Cruz is one of them.
According to Forbes, Cruz is an LA-based artist, instructor, and curator born and raised in Manila, whose drawings and paintings often focus on the female figure. Her work had also been featured in exhibits from Barcelona to Miami.
As an artist, Cruz has taken significant actions to provide help to children—from hosting workshops in remote locations in the country to providing art supplies to students and conducting art therapy for victims of human trafficking—through the non-profit organization, Kalma Art Foundation.
Cruz also sponsors shelters for trafficking victims in the country, and has been working with foundations and non-profits for eight years.
Based on the foundation’s website, Cruz specializes in teaching art therapy to children and younger women who are victims of trafficking, intending to promote healing and provide a safe space for them.
In a social media post, Cruz thanked Forbes and stated that she still has much to learn. Still, after four years of pursuing her dreams in the art world—including being based on three different continents—she is becoming the person she envisions herself to be more and more everyday.
“I started Kalma Foundation a couple years ago out of my love for art and as a way to stay connected to my roots. Forever and thankful for the support that we have received so far,” she wrote in her caption. “Excited for what’s ahead.”
