Lois Cornibert

Vice President, Banking Division
Astoria Federal Savings

Lois Cornibert has distinguished herself as both a financial expert and an inspirational community leader. With more than 40 years in the banking industry -- 25 of them as a branch manager -- Cornibert has put her considerable experience to work for the children of her community.

For years she has dedicated her time, knowledge and influence to the Island Trees School-to-Career program, a dynamic partnership that prepares high school juniors and seniors to enter the workforce. Starting out as fundraising chairperson for the program, Lois quickly moved into the role of co-chair and helped shape the program's advisory board.

Cornibert has been instrumental in securing Astoria Federal funding for vital School-to-Career initiatives, such as the Students Taking Action for Real Success (STARS) Interview conference. In addition to appropriating the grant for STARS, she helps plan the workshops, recruit the interviewers and run the overall operations for the conference.

"Lois has a passion for helping students to excel," wrote her Education Partner Award nominator. "She opens doors for them. Our graduates come back year after year and tell us what an impact her efforts have made on their lives. Her influence is life changing. If ever there was a friend to education, it is Lois Cornibert. She is a true role model."

She is devoted to making her community better by serving on the Chamber of Commerce for 22 years (this year as vice president) and as a member of several boards including the Youth Education Services (YES) Community Counseling Center and the Long Island Center for Independent Living. Cornibert is also a member of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Go Red for Women Luncheon committee, and is co-chair of the AHA's "Circle of Red," a society dedicated to women's heart health. A civic activist, she is a member of the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs of Levittown.

When Cornibert is not devoting herself to school and community, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and three grandchildren.