Chicago’s vibrant culture is one defined by incredible art, world-class dining, and one-of-a-kind events.
Here at Secret Chicago, we bring you all the latest news on everything Chicago, but what about the people behind the headlines?
SMN100 is your chance to meet some of the top local innovators shaping our city’s unique character through creativity and entrepreneurship.
About SMN100
Secret Media Network 100 (SMN100) is an annual list recognizing entrepreneurs and innovators who are redefining how people spend their free time across the US. Curated by Secret Media Network’s team of local insiders, the list highlights individuals making a significant impact across four categories:
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Culture
- Experiential & Sport
- Pioneers
Those on the list are selected based on their influence within their communities, with additional spots reserved for the Public’s Pick, chosen through a nationwide online survey.
Learn more about these categories and the inspiring individuals who are shaping the future on the SMN100 site.
Here are the local innovators who have made the Chicago list:
Cole Bennett
Chicago’s own Cole Bennett is a massively influential music video director and founder of the multimedia company Lyrical Lemonade.
Bennett’s directing style has dominated the hip-hop sphere over the past decade, and is most heavily associated with the newer generation of “SoundCloud rappers”.
His signature style is immediately recognizable for its playful use of vibrant colors and animation.
The Chicago-native has worked with many of today’s biggest alternative hip hop stars including Juice WRLD, Lil Tecca, Lil Skies, and Polo G.
Additionally, Bennett and his team produce the largest indie hip-hop festival in the U.S., the annual Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash in Chicago.
The 2024 edition of the festival attracted over 120,000 fans and featured headliners like Chief Keef, Kodak Black, and Playboi Carti.
Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of Kasama
You might have seen Kasama featured on The Bear or noticed the long lines of eager customers waiting along Augusta Avenue—The Filipino restaurant is currently regarded as among the best in America.
Chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores conceptualized Kasama (meaning “together” in Tagalog) as a way to introduce Filipino cooking to the world.
Kasama is perhaps best known for its decadent and creative bakery offerings, with standout treats like the Black Truffle Croissant and Matcha Pandan Éclair.
Additionally, the restaurant offers a full menu of savory Filipino breakfast dishes, creative coffee concoctions, and more.
Founded just 5 years ago in 2020, Kwon and Flores have already taken Kasama to impressive heights. The eatery became the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in 2022.
Stephanie Izard
Stephanie Izard has reshaped the culinary scene in Chicago, becoming one of the top chefs in the country.
Izard, 48, made history as the first female chef to win Bravo’s Top Chef and has continued to receive accolades, including the prestigious James Beard award for “Best Chef: Great Lakes.”
Currently, she serves as the co-owner and executive chef of three acclaimed Chicago restaurants: Girl and the Goat, Little Goat Diner, and Duck Duck Goat.
Ravyn Lenae
Ravyn Lenae is a leading force amongst rising Chicago artists making a mark in the music industry. The R&B singer has skyrocketed to stardom with captivating songs and dreamy, atmospheric vocals.
Additionally, Lenae, 26, has received nominations for Best New Artist at the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Music Awards.
Daniel Popper
South African-born sculptor Daniel Popper is a master at crafting mythical forms that blur the line between fantasy and reality.
His larger-than-life pieces intertwine otherworldly human figures with organic elements, weaving intricate narratives about humanity’s connection to the natural world.
While Popper himself may not be a Chicagoan, his works have captivated Windy City residents through numerous local exhibitions in recent years.
From 2021 to 2023, Popper’s work enchanted visitors at Chicagoland’s Morton Arboretum.
Kara Jackson
Poet, singer, songwriter and musician—Kara Jackson is an artist who transcends any one categorization.
The Oak Park native, 25, held the coveted title of U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2020.
Since then, Jackson has made waves in the alternative folk sphere, releasing her debut studio album, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? to critical acclaim in 2023.
In 2024, Jackson captivated fans at Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival.
The future of culture lives in Chicago
We couldn’t be prouder of these extraordinary Chicagoans. When it comes to culture, Chicago really is in the middle of it all!
See the rest of the SMN100 list here.