With nine years at MCAP and two years in her current role as Director, Quebec Underwriting and Business Relationship Managers, Diana Tavares has built a career defined by leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for developing people. An integral part of the MCAP team, Diana brings deep industry expertise and a commitment to strengthening both her team and the broker relationships that support MCAP’s success.
In her role, Diana provides strategic direction for risk assessment and mortgage approval while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and company policies. “My department, comprised of senior underwriters, managers, and business relationship managers, is responsible for assessing and decisioning mortgage applications,” she explains. “Our work balances risk management and top-tier client service.”
“I help performers become exceptional. Very few roles can give me that kind of a long-term impact.”
A Rich Background in the Mortgage Industry
Diana’s career began at a brokerage while she was completing her undergraduate studies. “I quickly developed a passion for the dynamics of our industry and the relationships built on competence and trust,” she reflects on that time. “Exposure to mortgage brokers’ day-to-day led to opportunities with a lender, and since then, I have gained experience in every role within an underwriting centre.”
“You have to know your stuff to be taken seriously.”
She also worked on the mortgage insurance side, in business development, where she was able to cultivate an appreciation for strategies that drive long-term results. “In my first year in that sales role, I achieved my annual objective within six months,” Diana recounts. She learned a valuable lesson from the experience. “I realized that this success came from meaningful client interactions grounded in my strong underwriting expertise — you have to know your stuff to be taken seriously.” A numbers and data person at heart, Diana ultimately returned to underwriting, where she was able to combine her operational insight with strategic leadership.
A Foundation Built on Strong Relationships
Diana’s career has grown significantly during her tenure with MCAP. From her start as Manager of Underwriting to her current role as Director, she has had the privilege to grow and develop while helping those around her do the same. “The underwriting teams I have developed, and a strong broker network, are my two biggest advocates,” Diana shares. “The Quebec teams share knowledge, and they challenge each other. The team is deeply rooted in a culture of trust, making mentorship and coaching an enjoyable part of my role.”
“At MCAP, the company’s goals and values align closely with my own, creating an environment where no initiative is too big or too small to pursue.”
Empowerment and support are not a one-way street at MCAP. As Diana explains, “I report to an exceptional leader who empowers me to grow and thrive.” These are aspects built into the culture at MCAP. “MCAP’s Blue Culture influences my day-to-day by reminding me of the importance of working with purpose, of fostering strong relationships, and of turning ideas into actions that make an impact.”
While her department focuses on the back-end work that helps MCAP provide mortgages for our residential clients, Diana never loses sight of what’s at the forefront: “shape smart decisions, grow talent, and lead with integrity — every file, every team, every day.”
