“Title town,” home of the Innovation Trail, and “the spirit of America,” Boston is a city built on greatness—birthplace of the American dream and a capital that inspired some of the most groundbreaking, world-changing innovations. Boston’s shaped past and present leaders of our time—like those on the inaugural SMN 100 shortlist. From Ruth Wakefield’s Chocolate Chip Cookie that changed the baking world forever to Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook—creative wheels don’t brake in Boston.
From Boston’s inception in 1630 to present day, the city bursts with pioneers. Those unafraid to charter the unknown, and there are three who stood out, recognized as the inaugural SMN100 changemakers of Boston.
Rachel Miller: James Beard Award-Nominated Chef and Owner of Nightshade Noodle Bar
Chef Rachel Miller is a culinary virtuoso whose innovative approach to French-Vietnamese fusion has earned her prestigious recognition in the culinary world. As the creative force behind Nightshade Noodle Bar, Miller has transformed the dining scene with her unique blind tasting menu concept.
Miller also operates a spinoff of her incredibly popular restaurant in the summer months, Nightshade Clam Shack, that serves fried New England seafood with Southern and Vietnamese flavors. Gobsmacking original flavors may include something like Crispy Spiced Corn Meal Crusted Faroe Island bay scallops with jalapeños with a funky fermented red chili-lime sauce and cabbage salad.
The James Beard Foundation named Miller a finalist for Outstanding Chef and a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast in 2024 and 2025.
With 18 years of rigorous culinary training, Miller’s expertise shines through in every expertly crafted dish, elevating Nightshade Noodle Bar to the ranks of the finest dining establishments in America!
Her innovative approach and commitment to culinary excellence continue to push the boundaries of gastronomy, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Nadine El Roubi: Singer and Songwriter
Egyptian-Iranian-Sudanese storyteller, Nadine El Roubi is creating music so original, it’s hard to classify its genre. The outspoken artist’s lyrics roll off the tongue in her signature freestyle rap/hip-hop beats, often an exploration of life as an Arab-American in Boston.
“Genres are kind of obsolete at this point,” she says. “If you like my music, don’t ever expect the next song to sound like the old one,” El Roubi shared in an interview with Rolling Stone.
El Roubi has since moved to New York, due to growing recognition of her powerful beats. Some of El Roubi’s fans include supermodel Bella Hadid and fellow artist, SZA—a dream collaboration of El Roubi’s.
El Roubi addresses sociopolitical issues and cultural taboos, aiming to reshape perceptions and foster understanding with powerful lyrics in addicting hooks. It’s an infusion of spoken-word, airy harmonies, and hip-hop beats that’ll leave the listener learning, dancing, and emotionally connected in one tune.
Her debut EP, Triplicity, and subsequent projects reflect her commitment to advocacy, particularly for her homeland, Sudan and her stance on “shame culture.” With performances across the globe, she is not just a musical force but also a cultural ambassador, continually redefining the boundaries of gender and identity through her powerful expression.
Doug Ansine: Designer, Founder and Creative Director at Brain Child
Designer Doug Ansine is the founder of Brain Child. The brand has built an enthusiastic and engaged community in Boston and beyond. Brain Child partnered with brands such as New Era, Hidden NY, and ComplexCon.
The “community driven brand,” with a tagline, “Good For Health ®,” is instantly recognizable from its signature graphic design. The viral “B” hats with a voluptuous embroidered cursive letter B on a flat beak baseball cap nod to Ansine’s Boston roots. The hats draw inspiration from the iconic Red Sox baseball cap.
Doug himself is celebrated in the city, pictured on a mural at the second citizenM hotel opening in Boston.
The Boston-based anime-inspired brand operates in exclusive seasonal drops, released under creative titles like “Always Nuclear.” Ansine sources fabrics globally, looking for premium materials to build Brain Child.
From the brainchild of Doug Ansine, Brain Child, to influential beats from Nadine El Roubi, and stirring up the North Shore’s food scene with Chef Rachel Miller, these inspirational Bostonians are making their marks, and they’re only just getting started!
Find the full national SMN100 shortlist online.