Rock Valley College Alum Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Keanu Concepcion recognized for his work as a young entrepreneur in the gaming industry.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Keanu Concepcion, a 29-year-old Rock Valley College (RVC) alum, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 - Games list. Concepcion realized his passion for media while working on the Harlem Veteran Project with an RVC professor, and later went on to found USC Esports and lead development of gaming content at Netflix.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the success of RVC's Mass Communication program in nurturing young talent and preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving media and gaming industries. Concepcion's achievements demonstrate the potential for community college graduates to make significant contributions as entrepreneurs and innovators.

The details

After being rejected from the University of Southern California's (USC) film program, Concepcion enrolled in RVC's Mass Communication program, where he worked hands-on in directing a film that helped him gain admission to the USC film program. At USC, Concepcion discovered his passion for gaming, founding USC Esports and directing Zynga's first sponsored project with the school. He then went on to work as a product manager at Netflix Games, leading the development of five game content seasons and creating Netflix's first gaming-to-streaming crossover event.

  • Concepcion realized his passion for media in high school while working on the Harlem Veteran Project with an RVC professor.
  • Concepcion enrolled in RVC's Mass Communication program after being rejected from the University of Southern California's (USC) film program.
  • At USC, Concepcion founded USC Esports and directed Zynga's first sponsored project with the school.
  • Concepcion went on to work as a product manager at Netflix Games, where he led the development of five game content seasons and created Netflix's first gaming-to-streaming crossover event.
  • Concepcion's work at Netflix is now wrapping up, and he is looking to start something in the aviation maintenance industry while staying connected to the gaming industry.

The players

Keanu Concepcion

A 29-year-old Rock Valley College (RVC) alum who was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 - Games list for his work as a young entrepreneur in the gaming industry.

Jerry LaBuy

An RVC Mass Communication professor who worked with Concepcion on the Harlem Veteran Project, helping him realize his passion for media.

University of Southern California (USC)

The university where Concepcion learned his passion for media went beyond traditional film and television and into gaming, leading him to found USC Esports and direct Zynga's first sponsored project with the school.

Netflix Games

The company where Concepcion worked as a product manager, leading the development of five game content seasons and creating Netflix's first gaming-to-streaming crossover event.

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What they’re saying

“Concepcion realized his passion for media in high school while working on the Harlem Veteran Project with RVC Mass Communication professor Jerry LaBuy.”

— Jerry LaBuy, RVC Mass Communication Professor (wifr.com)

What’s next

Concepcion's work at Netflix is wrapping up, and he is looking to start something in the aviation maintenance industry while staying connected to the gaming industry.

The takeaway

This recognition of a Rock Valley College alum's success in the gaming industry highlights the value of community college programs in nurturing young talent and preparing students for careers in rapidly evolving fields. Concepcion's achievements demonstrate the potential for community college graduates to become innovative entrepreneurs and leaders in their industries.