By Alex Robinson
Whether she’s at work or at a meeting for one of the many organizations she’s involved with, Nazneen “Lucy” Hossain is always looking for ways to help out fellow community members.
The branch manager joined New York Community Bancorp in 1997 as a part-time teller before working her way up to her current position. She now manages three NYCB banks and more than 15 employees in Queens in addition to her extensive community work.
“I enjoy being able to help people in any way whether they are customers in the branch or people in the community,” the Flushing native said. “Any time I see small businesses open up in the neighborhood, I want to help them grow their business. I’ll try to help them in any way I can, whether that means opening an account or helping them apply for a loan.”
Hossain sits on the board for the Queens Botanical Garden and is a committee member of the Ozanam Hall Nursing Home, at 42-41 201st St., in her free time. She previously has been involved with a long list of charities and organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Queens Center for Progress, the Mathrian Society and the Child Center of New York.
She rarely says no to opportunities to become involved with any kind of charitable organization. She jumped at the chance to become a board member at Queens Botanical Garden after a colleague, who was a member, told her the garden had a vacancy.
“I love the garden,” she said.” And I like to be very involved with the community. So when I knew they were looking for a board member, I told them I was interested.”
She said she has used the expertise she gained from her work in customer service and sales to support these groups over the years. As a self-described people person, banking and management were things that interested her from a young age.
She has received numerous recognition certificate awards from her bank throughout the years, including accolades for outstanding service delivery, top performance and community involvement.
All three of her branches actively raise money for a number of Queens charities and take part in community events, she said. She was responsible for providing a financial literary course for students at PS/IS 270, at 233-15 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton, and also offers these classes through her branches, which she has managed for seven years.
A lifelong resident of Queens, Hossain grew up on Sanford Avenue in Flushing and attended John Bowne High School before going on to receive a degree in business management at Queens College.
“Queens has always represented opportunity to me,” she said. “I have the privilege of helping small businesses and neighbors within the community where I live and work.”
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
