Atlanta is known for always being on the cutting edge of culture worldwide, and we thought it was high-time to celebrate some of the most influential voices in the ATL! As a city full of influence, innovation, music, film, food, entrepreneurship and more, it was hard to narrow it down to just a few winners, but we think we’ve got a pretty good list. Allow us to introduce to you the SMN100!
What is SMN100?
SMN100 is a brand-new, annual list of “entrepreneurs, creators and innovators shaping the way you spend your most treasured asset: your free time.”
The categories for winners include:
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Culture
- Experiential & Sport
- Pioneers
Secret Media Network is in the unique position of working with a team of local insiders, focused on creating hyper-local guides for you and your pals to enjoy any city you’re in! And because our team knows each city we’re located in so well, we’re able to select those in our communities doing tons of amazing work!
Along with that, we have set aside a few seats for the Public’s Pick nominated with a nationwide online survey.
So, who made the SMN100 list in Atlanta?
Okay, okay. So now you get it! So, without further ado, let us introduce you to Atlanta’s first-ever SMN100 list!
1. Pinky Cole Hayes
Category: Food & Drink
Pinky Cole Hayes, CEO and founder of Slutty Vegan, is a culinary powerhouse and philanthropist. Her innovative approach to vegan food has taken Atlanta by storm, and her non-profit, Pinky Gives Back, promotes financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
If you live in Atlanta (and probably even if you don’t), you know Pinky Cole Hayes. Her restaurant chain, Slutty Vegan makes vegan food accessible and delicious. And her incredibly cool work throughout the community makes us adore her even more!
2. Ryan Cameron
Category: Arts & Culture
Known as ‘The Voice of Atlanta,’ Ryan Cameron is truly an iconic figure in the city. Not only is he a 2-time Emmy award-winning radio host, but he’s also the public address announcer for Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Hawks. But even if you’re not a sportsfan, you’ve still probably heard Cameron’s voice. He voices the announcements at our beloved Atlanta Airport and the ATL airport’s plane train! Cameron’s impact on the culture of the city extends far beyond just the airwaves, though. He’s also the founder of Dough Boy Pizza Co., one of our favorite local pizzerias!
Ryan Cameron is a massive influence on the culture, and he sounds like home!
3. Gabby Thomas
Category: Sports & Experiential
Gabby Thomas is a 5x Olympic Medalist, which includes three gold medals in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born and raised in Atlanta, Thomas is also a Harvard graduate on top of her incredible athleticism, where she studied neurobiology and global health as an undergraduate before earning her masters of public health in epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. (Is there anything this girl can’t do!?)
We’re thrilled to have Thomas representing Atlanta’s culture in all her endeavors: both in running and academics!
We’re so proud of these absolutely outstanding Atlantans! From the best athletes in the world to the biggest innovators… Atlanta definitely invents the culture.