Three individuals with ties to Oklahoma were named to the the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, spanning media, clean energy, and music.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list annually recognizes 600 young innovators across 20 industries. Oklahoma’s additions to the list include filmmaker Loren Waters, energy entrepreneur KaLeigh Long, and Grammy-winning musician Zach Bryan.
Loren Waters
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Loren Waters is a director, producer, casting director, and the founder of Waters Media. Waters has worked on multiple productions filmed in Oklahoma, including Reservation Dogs and Fancy Dance. At 29 years old, she is the youngest indigenous casting director in the film industry, and has secured over $100,000 in grants and awards. She is also the executive director of the Lindy Waters III Foundation, where she works to create storytelling opportunities for Native youth.
KaLeigh Long
Kaleigh Long is the founder and CEO of Westwin Elements, the first nickel and cobalt refinery in the United States. Headquarted in Lawton, Oklahoma, Long’s company has raised $60 million and is set to produce inputs for the cathode materials essential to high-performance battery production — helping reduce America’s dependence on Chinese imports. The entrepreneur has started several small businesses, including an advertising firm, a subscription box meat company, and a cattle company.
Zach Bryan
Raised in Oologah, Oklahoma, Zach Bryan is one of the most recognizable faces in today’s country music scene. A U.S. Navy veteran, Bryan began recording songs during his naval service and sharing them online. Bryan self-produced two albums before gaining the attention of Warner Music Group. In 2024, Bryan won his first Grammy Award for “I Remember Everything,” a duet with country singer Kacey Musgraves. He has also won three Billboard Music Awards, one Academy of Country Music Award, and one People’s Choice Country Award. To date, he has sold over 30 million albums and singles.
