Here are 20 top rising personalities from California (under 30) across various industries who are gaining significant national attention as of early 2026.

Tech & AI Innovators
1. Sarah Wooders (20s): A UC Berkeley PhD who co-founded Letta, an AI memory platform. She is a key figure in the “Sky Computing” movement.

2. Sam Yang (20s): Co-founder of Nova Intelligence, a startup focused on using AI to modernize legacy business code.

3. Aryan Bhadouria & Adam Goldstein (Early 20s): Founders of TeachShare, an AI platform for educators that has rapidly scaled to over 300,000 users.

4. Ryan Dehmoubed (23): Co-creator of JuiceMind, a creative computer science platform for K–12 students recognized by the White House.

5. Saeed Naeem (20s): Co-founder of Kollegio, which provides AI-driven college counseling to low-income students globally.

6. Isaiah Chavous (26): Founder of Noctal, an emerging venture in the tech/social space recently highlighted by industry leaders.

Arts & Culture
1. Anoushka Mirchandani (28): A San Francisco-based artist exploring immigrant identity. Her institutional solo debut at ICA San José in 2026 has made her a major name to watch.

2. Eunjo Lee (29): A digital-native artist whose work explores the intersection of the internet and fine art; recently scouted by the V&A Museum.

3. Lexie Chu (27): Founder of Asians in Animation, a Los Angeles-based organization rapidly changing representation in the film industry.

4. Miles Caton (20): A rising California artist recognized for a unique blend of physical and digital mediums.

5. Auguste White (26): A Los Angeles-based writer and creative voice becoming a go-to for major studio development scripts.

Entertainment & Media Leaders
1. Kelly Berger (29): A high-profile Motion Picture Literary Agent at CAA (Creative Artists Agency) who is shaping the careers of the next generation of filmmakers.

2. Julia Bromberg (29): Director of Development at Novel, leading the charge in adapting long-form podcasts and journalism into film and TV.

3. Brent Assayag & Sydny Furuichi (28/29): Co-founders of Anno, a creative studio redefining how Gen Z interacts with branded content.

4. Jordan Tortorello (29): Founder of Mixed Media, a Los Angeles firm managing some of the most influential digital creators today.

5. Clementine Quittner (28): Vice President of Film at Black Bear, overseeing major indie film productions from Hollywood.

Social Impact & Education
1. Kausi Raman (20s): A “Shark Tank” alum and co-founder of Chompshop, producing kid-safe power tools to foster design thinking in schools.

2. Rhian Moore (29): Head of Programs at CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), instrumental in the “Gold House” and Hollywood diversity movements.

3. Abhinaya Govindan (28): A California-based comedian and writer using digital media to bridge the gap between South Asian culture and mainstream entertainment.

4. George Strus (28): Founder of Breaking the Binary Theatre, a Los Angeles/NY hybrid organization focused on transgender and non-binary artists.