Her Story
About Nancy
Nancy Nazmije Ugrinaj is a dedicated Relationship Banker at Bank of America who combines financial expertise with a passion for empowering others. With more than three years in the banking industry, she focuses on building meaningful client relationships and helping individuals, especially women, achieve greater financial independence and confidence. Known for her honesty, professionalism, and vibrant personality, Nancy believes success comes from loving what you do and working hard to create opportunities for growth. Her approachable nature and strong sense of style have also made her memorable within her workplace and community, where many affectionately recognize her as a “fashionista” whose confidence inspires those around her.
Before transitioning into banking, Nancy spent 18 years as the owner and operator of a successful pizza restaurant in Greenwich. Running her own business taught her resilience, leadership, and the value of building strong customer relationships. After selling the restaurant, she pursued a new chapter in banking, where she has continued to thrive by helping clients navigate financial decisions with care and understanding. A graduate of Fordham University with degrees in Business and Political Science, Nancy has always been driven to challenge herself professionally while serving as a role model for others seeking independence and success.
Beyond her career, Nancy is deeply passionate about mentoring and uplifting women. As a member of the Albanian Women’s Club, she actively encourages women to pursue education, careers, and financial freedom. Coming from a traditional Albanian background where women were often expected to remain at home, Nancy broke barriers by becoming the first woman in her family to attend college and establish a career before marriage. She now shares her experiences openly to inspire younger generations to believe in themselves, embrace their individuality, and pursue lives built on confidence, purpose, and self-reliance. Her leadership and impact have led to her selection for inclusion in Influential Women 2026, recognizing her commitment to empowering others and creating positive change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nancy
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents, you know, encouraging me to always achieve my goals and strive for the goals, even though, you know, the way they grow up, they weren't allowed to express themselves, and my father came from a culture that didn't believe in women having rights and doing things that needed to be done, and a man doing everything for them. He always taught me to be independent and to be a go-getter, and to be able to think for myself and be independent. And he's advised me to go to college, even though my mother never had a college education. She didn't even finish 8th grade. And, you know, to do more with my life than be a housewife, to follow my passion. My parents, no, they were great role models to me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Strive and dream for what you want, and go after it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To be positive, to be themselves and not try to portray other women, or try to be like other women. Be yourself and who you are. Just be true to yourself, and don't change yourself for anyone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's a lot of room for growth, as long as you're willing to put in the work, the hard work, and do it. You know, every person has the opportunity to grow to the top levels of any industry they want to work in. You just have to have the passion, the love for what you do. You gotta enjoy what you do. If you don't enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work, you're not in the right industry. If you don't enjoy who you're working with, you're not in the right industry. You gotta choose what you love, and what you don't mind getting up at 7 o'clock in the morning and going to work, and loving what you do, and wanting to go to work, and not call out sick all the time when you're not.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty and respect, because I believe strong relationships and meaningful success are built on treating others with integrity, kindness, and fairness.
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