Texas has always been a cultural powerhouse, setting trends and making waves across the globe. So, we figured it was time to recognize the standout individuals driving that influence. From music and film to food, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the state’s talent runs deep — and narrowing it down wasn’t easy. But we’re excited to introduce the SMN100: a curated list honoring some of the most influential voices shaping Texas today.
What is SMN100?
The SMN100 is a new annual list spotlighting the entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators who are redefining how you spend your most valuable resource: your free time.
The categories for winners include:
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Culture
- Experiential & Sport
- Pioneers
How did we choose the winners of SMN100?
Secret Media Network is uniquely positioned to tap into the pulse of each city we cover, thanks to our incredible team of local insiders. They craft hyper-local guides designed to help you and your crew make the most of wherever you are — and because they know their cities inside and out, they’re perfectly suited to spotlight the movers and shakers making a real impact in their communities.
To make the SMN100 even more dynamic, we opened up a handful of spots in each category for the Public’s Pick — with nominations rolling in from across the country via a nationwide online survey.
Our global network of insiders took the lead in nominating standout individuals nationwide, and thanks to public input, this list is a true blend of expert insight and community voice.
Maddy Brum Makes the SMN100 List
Maddy Brum is a standout American cheerleader who rose to prominence through her captivating performances on Netflix’s Emmy-winning docuseries Cheer. Born in Dracut, Massachusetts, Brum’s journey from a small-town athlete to a national cheerleading icon is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Brum’s began cheering at the age of seven when she joined the Dracut Pop Warner program. Honing her skills at East Celebrity Elite (ECE) in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Brum later led Dracut High School to four state championships as a flyer.
Despite facing personal challenges, including financial instability and family hardships, Brum remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport. Her mother, Nicole Ostis, once shared the difficulties they faced, stating they lived “paycheck to paycheck just to eat and have a roof over our heads” .
In 2019, Brum joined the Navarro College cheer team in Corsicana, Texas. Her exceptional talent as a flyer quickly made her a central figure in the team’s routines. Brum’s journey was prominently featured in Season 2 of Cheer, where she opened up about her challenging upbringing, including her father’s incarceration and her mother’s legal troubles. Her authenticity and skill endeared her to viewers, making her one of the breakout stars of the series.
After her tenure at Navarro, Brum continued to excel in cheerleading, joining the Cheer Athletics Wildcats, an elite all-star team. She also studying media strategies at Texas Tech University while cheering for the university’s team.
Brum’s journey from a determined young athlete in Massachusetts to a nationally recognized cheerleader exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion. Her story continues to inspire many, highlighting the transformative impact of sports and personal resilience.