Advocacy Champion Spotlight: Laura Eblen

By Natalie Toledo, executive administrative assistant, Frontier Community Credit Union

Continuing our Advocacy Champion Spotlight series, Cornerstone League is proud to feature Laura Eblen, vice president of member engagement and governmental affairs at Mazuma Credit Union. With 24 years in the credit union industry, Eblen is a dedicated advocate whose journey highlights the importance of advocacy in shaping the future of credit unions.

Eblen affectionately refers to her position as “MEGA VP,” a fun twist on her official title. With more than two decades of experience in the credit union movement, she jokes, “I’m over 21 years in the credit union world, but that doesn’t mean I can drink on the job!”

Her passion for advocacy began when a group of young professionals set out to attend the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the idea of participating as a “Crasher,” Eblen jumped at the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the movement. That experience opened her eyes to the power of collective advocacy and the impact credit unions can have when they stand together for their members.

When asked about her proudest advocacy moments, Eblen recalled two standouts. The first occurred nearly a decade ago during a heated taxation debate on Capitol Hill. She mobilized her team at Mazuma to raise awareness on social media, helping the hashtag #DontTaxMyCreditUnion trend nationally on X. The campaign underscored the idea that “we are stronger when we unite our voices for a common cause."

Another defining moment came in 2024 when Eblen testified on field of membership in Jefferson City. Faced with tough questions from a pro-bank legislator, she confidently replied, “If banks feel it’s such an advantage, they can easily change their charters to become credit unions.” Her response reflected her deep understanding of the legislative process and her unwavering commitment to the credit union philosophy.

Eblen has participated in numerous legislative events, including state Hike the Hill trips. Reflecting on her early GAC experience as a Crasher, she noted how those moments allowed her to engage with seasoned professionals and gain valuable insight. “Those experiences reinforced the importance of presenting a unified front,” she said, emphasizing that advocates should always speak with one voice for the greater credit union movement.

Believing strongly in the cooperative principle of education, training, and information, Eblen actively educates staff, members, and community members on the credit union difference. Every new hire at Mazuma is introduced to the foundational principles of credit unions, particularly their not-for-profit mission. Eblen finds that this approach sparks meaningful conversations about purpose and values.

She maintains that advocacy is essential to the future of credit unions as the financial landscape evolves. “We must be part of policy conversations to preserve our valued tax status and protect ourselves against threats from competitors,” she said. Eblen urges all credit union employees to engage in advocacy efforts, reminding them that “every voice counts, whether through personal stories or legislative outreach.”

Her advocacy journey has also influenced her personally. As the mother of a special needs daughter, Eblen sees parallels between her professional and personal advocacy work. “The impact of advocacy extends far beyond the boardroom and into personal lives,” she said, reflecting on how her efforts have strengthened her ability to champion causes that matter most.

In recognition of her exceptional commitment to advancing the credit union movement, Eblen was honored with the inaugural Ian Dunlap Advocacy Award, celebrating leaders who embody the spirit of advocacy and inspire others to take action on behalf of credit unions.

For those looking to get involved, Eblen offers simple advice: “Just start. Engage with others in the credit union advocacy space, familiarize yourself with legislative issues, and take those first steps to connect with lawmakers.”

In her words, “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the table.” Her passion for advocacy stems from a genuine desire to see credit unions thrive. “The future of the credit union movement lies in the hands of the next generation of advocates,” she said.

Eblen’s final reminder captures her advocacy philosophy: “Politics isn’t a red thing or a blue thing; it’s a credit union thing.” Cornerstone League celebrates Laura Eblen for her tireless devotion to advancing the credit union movement and inspiring others to make their voices heard. To hear more from Eblen about her advocacy journey and passion for the credit union movement, listen to her episode on The Cornerstone League Podcast.