Sheri Owens

Echo Hall of Fame 2011 Sheri Owens

Sheri Owens said that when she and Angela Hughey met 17 years ago the woman began a journey with similar goals. "We realized there was a gap that needed to be filled," she said. Owens said that's been the mission of their work together — first co-founding a film company that they called Filling the Gap, then launching One Community. Owens' sales background helped build the foundation of the company. She noted that as she works with local business, "it's kind of coming out everyday." Owens called One Community "the go-to company for the LGBT community." It's a good time for such a business as the national LGBT buying power reaches $835 billion this year. "The social movement is on the rise and we want to be on the forefront. Our goal is to truly become one community," she said.

BACKGROUND:: A native of Arizona, Owens, 45, grew up in Kingman. She moved to Phoenix to attend college and earned a degree in communications. She learned about business administration as she worked at recruiting companies. Owens served as executive producer for the movie An Intimate Friendship, which was screened at more than 30 film festivals.

ACHIEVEMENTS:: "I'm about building relationships," said Owens, who is vice president of One Community. She said the business works with 1n10, Aunt Rita's Foundation, Equality Arizona, Human Rights Campaign Arizona and other LGBT agencies to put on events and sell sponsorships. "We want to make sure we're creating value for both parties," she said. Owens said that she's proud of the work One Community did partnering with Phoenix College and bringing together 22 diverse organizations to stage a forum with Phoenix mayoral candidates earlier this year.

FUTURE:: Owens said her company listens to the community for direction. While One Community has been a local company, Owens said she sees potential for it to expand in Arizona and perhaps elsewhere.

PHILOSOPHY:: "Work hard every day and stay engaged," Owens said.