Laura Eblen Honored with Inaugural Ian Dunlap Advocacy Award

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At the 2025 Missouri Day at the Capitol event, Laura Eblen was recognized with the inaugural Ian Dunlap Advocacy Award, established in memory of former Missouri Credit Union Association Executive Director Ian Dunlap, who passed away in December 2023. The award recognizes Dunlap’s unwavering commitment to Missouri credit unions and those who embody that spirit today.

Eblen, a self-proclaimed “credit union Kool-Aid drinker,” is the VP of engagement and governmental affairs at Mazuma Credit Union and has dedicated 25 years to championing the movement.

She said her love of advocacy started many years ago during a Missouri Hike the Hill Day.

“I still remember that morning, sitting at breakfast at the Doubletree, hearing from credit unions who had been in Washington, D.C., during the HR 1151 fight,” she said. “Their stories were inspiring and captivating, and it was their fight that so heavily influenced not just all credit unions but held special meaning for credit unions here in Missouri.”

Listening to those stories made her realize how vital advocacy is to the credit union industry.

Driving Industry Impact

At Mazuma, Eblen's passion ignited tangible results. She founded the Internal Political Advocacy Committee, which spearheads legislative events and provides comprehensive advocacy training. Her leadership was evident during the Missouri Field of Membership hearing, where she rallied her team to submit witness testimonies.

Before the annual GAC, she prepares extensive materials (including a 60-page booklet) and hosts internal meetings, ensuring Mazuma's leaders are well-prepared for Hill visits. During elections, she creates impartial voter guides, outlining candidates' policies and encouraging participation.

A Spirit of Commitment and Collaboration

Eblen’s friendly demeanor and energy are contagious. She has the unique ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels, making her an invaluable asset in discussions with legislators, credit union professionals, and members.

After attending her first GAC in 2010, Eblen partnered with another young credit union professional and hosted the first-ever Crash MO event. To continue sharing her experiences, she served as a co-facilitator, mentor, and advisor for the Crash program for several years.

Eblen is aware that advocacy is a need that never ends, which fuels her efforts. When asked for advice on getting involved, she has one simple answer: Start.

“Just start. It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking,” she said. “Make a phone call to your legislators, send an email, inform your fellow team members about the issues and ways they can take action on their own. There’s this idea that you need a huge, massive program, and that can lead to paralysis by analysis. It’s OK to build as you go.”

Cornerstone League congratulates Laura Eblen on being the recipient of the Ian Dunlap Advocacy Award, and we look forward to her future impact on the credit union movement.