Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen

Echo Hall of Fame 2011 Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen each have their own projects, but the couple of almost four years said that they work together by inspiring and supporting each other.

Schmitz is a research analyst for Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot and on the board at the youth services agency 1n10. Henschen is a member of the "futurepop" band Super Stereo.

"We build off of each other's energy and passion for causes that improve the community," Schmitz said.

Henschen used the words "empower, support and motivate" to describe the collaboration. "We really trade off supporting each other at events. Sometimes she takes center stage, sometimes it's me."

Henschen said Schmitz motivated her to give purpose to everything she does. She said it was Schmitz's idea that Super Stereo play at the Rainbows Festival. Schmitz said her partner talked her into joining the 1n10 board four years ago.

Henschen never misses a 1n10 event. And when Super Stereo is doing a show, Schmitz is in the audience.

Schmitz said that it's easier to devote time to their projects with a spouse who understands. "It doesn't get in the way of the relationship," she said.

One project that the women have worked on together is posing as Echo Magazine's holiday couple for the last four years.

Megan Schmitz

BACKGROUND:: A native of Cleveland, Schmitz, 31, graduated from Ohio State with a degree in women's studies and political science. She did public policy for Planned Parenthood before moving to Phoenix five years ago. She joined the three-member support staff for Simplot, the city's first and only openly gay councilman.

ACHIEVEMENTS:: Schmitz said she works to be accessible and responsible in her job, which includes working as Simplot's liaison to the LGBT community. She's frequently a presence at meetings of local organizations and handles calls for people who may have issues with the city or police. She had a support role when Simplot has worked on things like the city's domestic partnership registry and non-discrimination issues. She also facilitates relationships between groups. For example, when the Chrysalis domestic violence shelter wanted to offer services to same-sex partners, Schmitz connected the agency to resources.

FUTURE:: Currently vice chair at 1n10, Schmitz said she will become chair of the organization in 2012. She said she knows how important 1n10 is to her when she walks with youth in a parade or sees the Fusion dance group perform. Schmitz is also attending Valley Leadership, which she said gives her the opportunity to expose a new group of people to 1n10 and Simplot's work.

PHILOSOPHY:: "As long as you're doing something that you believe in, you can move mountains," Schmitz said.

Lauren Henschen

BACKGROUND:: Originally from Tempe, Henschen, 28, has a background in theater from her studies at Arizona State University. She helped establish Space 55, which promotes innovative theater. Before joining Super Stereo, she performed as a solo act and conducted benefits for music programs in Phoenix elementary schools. She works in public relations for Arts Network, which promotes art walks in downtown Scottsdale.

ACHIEVEMENTS:: Henschen plays synthesizer and sings for Super Stereo, which released its first album, This is Futurepop, last year. She's also one of the group's songwriters. Super Stereo's mission statement is to promote diversity, and Henschen said as the only gay person in the five-member group she has the opportunity to educate. "I take my community and bring it to the rest of the world," she said. Gigs at Pride festivals in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona and Reno "are by far our best shows," Henschen said. The group also did a summer tour in the Southwest and California. Super Stereo has gained national exposure with songs featured on TV shows Parks and Recreation, The Real L Word, Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Rizzoli and Isles. Their music is also played at Macy's, American Eagle and Beauty Brand Stores and Salons.

FUTURE:: Henschen said Super Stereo plans to play at more Pride festivals and is shooting for larger market events.

PHILOSOPHY:: "Be true to yourself and don't compromise who you are," Henschen said.

Megan and Lauren's holiday covers

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen's first Echo Cover

First Cover

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen's 2nd Echo Cover

Second Cover

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen's 3rd Echo Cover

Third Cover

Megan Schmitz and Lauren Henschen's 4th Echo Cover

Fourth Cover