Empowering Motherhood: The Journey of Jill Koziol, Co-Founder of Motherly
As an influential figure in the digital media and parenting industry, Jill Koziol has seamlessly woven her expertise and passion into creating Motherly, a platform that supports and empowers mothers from all walks of life. From her early days as a first-generation college student to becoming a recognized leader in entrepreneurship, Koziol’s journey is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and vision.
Educational Background
Jill Koziol’s academic pursuits laid the groundwork for her multifaceted career. Hailing from rural southern Maryland, Koziol was a first-generation college student with a clear vision to make an impact. She initially pursued her higher education at Towson University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics. Her quest for knowledge didn’t stop there; she further enriched her academic portfolio by obtaining a Master’s degree in Security Studies from the prestigious Georgetown University.
Professional Experience
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Koziol amassed a wealth of experience in various fields:
- Strategy Consulting: Post-graduation, Jill Koziol worked as a strategic consultant with Fortune 50 defense contractors and national intelligence agencies. This role honed her analytical skills and strategic thinking.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Her entrepreneurial spirit came to the fore with HoneyBee Child, where she invented and patented the SwingEase – a portable device that transforms playground swings for toddlers. This endeavor marked her first successful step into business innovation.
- Advisory Roles & Board Memberships: Koziol proved her versatility by serving as an advisor for various start-ups and serving on the board of YPO in Park City, Utah, which reflects her leadership and commitment to contributing to the community.
- Academic Involvement: As a guest lecturer at The Wharton School, she shares her insights on entrepreneurship with aspiring business leaders, bridging the gap between industry and academia.
Founding Motherly
The inception of Motherly was inspired by a profound understanding of modern motherhood and its evolving landscape. Together with Liz Tenety, Koziol recognized the shift in parenting dynamics influenced by millennial mothers who are more educated and more digitally connected than previous generations. Understanding this, they crafted Motherly to be an expert-driven, empowering platform tailored to the diverse needs of today’s mothers. Since its launch in 2015, Motherly has flourished, reaching over 40 million monthly viewers, making it a cornerstone in digital parenting resources.
Achievements and Recognition
Under Jill’s leadership, Motherly has not only grown in reach but has also garnered significant accolades:
- Inc. 5000 Recognition: Motherly became one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies in 2022.
- Webby Awards: The platform received multiple Webby Awards, acknowledging its excellence in digital media.
- Parity.org Honors: Recognized as one of the best companies for women's career advancement.
In addition to her leadership achievements, Koziol co-authored two insightful books, “The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama” and “This Is Motherhood” – both reinforcing her dedication to redefining the motherhood experience.
Current Role
In February 2025, Jill ventured into a new chapter as a Managing Director at Costella Kirsch, a venture debt firm. Her transition underscores her capacity to leverage her entrepreneurial and strategic insight in the financial realm, aiming to foster growth in burgeoning enterprises.
Jill Koziol’s journey from the ground up, marked by resilience and a penchant for innovation, highlights her commitment to empowering mothers worldwide. Her story continues to inspire as she crosses new frontiers in leadership and entrepreneurship.