Two Years in a Row on Forbes 30 Under 30: Midland School’s Chinese Alumni Stand Out Globally

Maggie Tang, a 2018 Midland alumna, was selected for the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Food & Drink category for co-founding Magic, an artificial intelligence company serving the hospitality industry. 

For the second consecutive year, Midland School alumni have earned a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, reinforcing the school’s impact well beyond college admission, and into real-world leadership and innovation.

Recognized globally as one of the most influential rankings of young talent, Forbes 30 Under 30 highlights individuals under 30 who are already shaping industries across business, technology, the arts, and social impact. Being named two years in a row is not only rare, but it signals a consistent pattern of excellence.

Alumni Driving Global Impact

• Maggie Tang (Class of 2018) was named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 – Food & Drink. Founder of Magic, an AI-driven company transforming fine-dining customer experiences, her platform Loyalist now serves world-renowned restaurants such as Carbone, Momofuku, and Le Bernardin, and has secured multi-million-dollar seed funding.

2017 Midland School alum Mark Gong, a 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, launched his own fashion label, Markgong. 

• Mark Gong (Class of 2017) was named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – The Arts. Founder of the womenswear brand Markgong, his designs—rooted in pop culture—have appeared at New York Fashion Week and have been worn by global icons including Rihanna, Doja Cat, and Lisa.

Their success reflects more than individual talent—it highlights the long-term value of an education grounded in responsibility, creativity, and experiential learning.

Why Midland Produces Industry-Ready Graduates

Founded in 1932, Midland School combines academic rigor with hands-on learning, encouraging students to take ownership of their education from day one. Through leadership roles, outdoor education, community engagement, and real responsibility on campus, students develop the confidence and adaptability today’s industries demand.

This approach translates into strong college outcomes as well. Recent graduates have been admitted to highly selective institutions such as Cornell, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Bowdoin, and Cal Poly, among others—demonstrating both academic strength and distinctive personal profiles.

Education Beyond Admission

At Midland, college acceptance is not the finish line. The school’s four-year college counseling program supports students in building authentic narratives, clear goals, and practical strategies and skills that extend far beyond applications.

Whether launching AI startups, leading fashion labels, or entering top universities, Midland graduates share a common foundation: an education designed to prepare them for real impact in a globalized world.