Work with a marketer who understands mission-based financial services.
Laura Kozien (she/her)
Mission-based financial services organizations are kind of weird.
The typical marketing rules don’t apply to them. Success isn't just measured in dollars, but also in community impact. Go-to marketing channels for other industries—like Google Ads and social media—work very differently given resource constraints. And, factors like community relationships, fundraising requirements, and organizational impact are always at play.
Stop Whispering was founded by Laura Kozien, a marketer with 20+ years of experience driving impact at mission-based financial services organizations.
I launched Stop Whispering after witnessing many organizations market too quietly. Being a “best kept secret” means that your organization’s impact could be so much greater. Stop whispering isn’t a command, but rather a rallying cry to consider strategic marketing as a critical growth lever.
I previously built and led marketing teams at nationally-recognized organizations including the Accion U.S. Network, Pursuit, and Ascendus. Today, my work blends projects with mission-driven financial services firms and tech/fintech startups. I'm excited to bridge insights between these industries—both dedicated to growing with lean resources—to shape my expertise and approach.
Here’s just some of the impact I’ve created through my work:
Co-created the business and launch plans and worked to secure more than $2 million in funding for the Accion U.S. Network, a start-up nonprofit (recently merged to create Accion-Opportunity Fund).
Launched the first nationwide digital marketing campaign for microfinance loans while at Accion. The campaign created a reliable digital lead pipeline and generated $11 million in incremental loan funding.
Lead marketing efforts for some the microfinance industry’s most groundbreaking corporate partnerships including Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, the Tory Burch Foundation’s women’s entrepreneurship programs and The Hartford’s Small Business Owners’ Playbook.
Conceptualized and executed the rebrand of Pursuit (formerly NYBDC), as 65-year old CDC, CDFI, and non-bank small business lender with $600MM in assets.
Led customer research and brand development efforts at CorralData, an AI startup, that contributed to 3x growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in less than 9 months.
Things I love to talk about while waiting for conference calls to start include outdoor adventures, pets, fun new local small businesses, and U.S./international travel. I’ve called Utica, NY and NYC home, and am currently based in Troy, NY (with plenty of business trips down to “the city”).
How I do the work is just as important as the work that I do.
Inclusive
I strive to communicate with you and your customers in a way that elevates diverse perspectives and design campaigns that are culturally relevant and effective in reaching diverse communities.
Customer-Centered
Deeply understanding customer needs leads to elevated, more impactful work. Together, we’ll walk in your client’s shoes and create campaigns that delight and exceed expectations.
AI-Forward
Blending human creativity with new tools and technology leads to elevated, more impactful work. I use AI to deliver exceptional value to my clients, and I’ll encourage you to do the same.
Listening > Talking
I lead with open and curious questions to deeply understand your reality before providing recommendations or developing approaches. You’ll receive feedback and recommendations in a thoughtful manner and feel heard throughout our process.
Transparent
When you work with me, you’ll always know where things stand and what opportunities and challenges exist. No black boxes, frustrating communication gaps, or lack of clarity on timing or deliverables.
Data-Driven
I seek facts and insights to drive strategic and day-to-day decisions and ground plans in real-world information, not assumptions. I’ll help you take a step back and make sure that your marketing results are measurable.