MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Latasha Tucker

(One in a recurring monthly series featuring efforts of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, part of MBA’s commitment to increase racial, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic diversity within the mortgage banking industry.)

Latasha Tucker is a Portfolio Manager with Mr. Cooper, Lewisville, Texas.

MBA INSIGHTS: Tell us a little about yourself.

LATASHA TUCKER: I’m a native Californian, but mortgage servicing has brought me to the Dallas area. I’ve been in servicing for about 19 years, with emphasis on default management and most recently investor relations. I am excited about the chance to eventually become certified and even more familiar with leadership all across our industry. Cheers!

INSIGHTS: How did you hear about the MBA Path to Diversity program?

TUCKER: Our Diversity Team shared a linked to The Women’s Network group on Yammer. The Women’s Network is one of many diversity resource groups we have, and I’m proud to share I was recently voted in as Vice President!

INSIGHTS: What inspired you to get more involved?

TUCKER: This is an excellent opportunity to expand our understanding of the entire mortgage servicing life cycle. Accelerated learning by those who have done the job (or currently doing the job) is more than one could ask for within a week.

INSIGHTS: Did you find the application process to be easy?

TUCKER: Yes! It was easy and user-friendly.

INSIGHTS: Have you had a mentor or mentors who encouraged/supported you?

TUCKER: Absolutely! I’ve had no issue at all in obtaining letters of recommendation from VPs and even SVPs.

INSIGHTS: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally?

TUCKER: Personally, it reminded me that I’m capable of learning and handling more processes that I’d ever thought about. Professionally, it helps me to stand out. I’m hungry to learn this industry and continue to climb the corporate ladder.

INSIGHTS: What have you been able to bring back to your company as a result of the Path to Diversity program?

TUCKER: I have a more solid understanding of why investors can be as heavily involved as they are sometimes. I’ve been able to field questions and engage in mortgage servicing discussions, that I might have ordinarily strayed away from.

INSIGHTS: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?

TUCKER: This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and especially network with potentially key players in the industry. You would be cheating yourself if you don’t at least apply for it–you can do it!

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The MBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formed in 2013 to provide leadership and guidance to help the real estate finance industry gain a competitive advantage by increasing diversity in leadership, workforce and suppliers.

MBA encourages its members to support these efforts and to recognize the competitive advantages of embracing a diverse and inclusive workforce and marketplace. For more information about the MBA Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, click https://www.mba.org/who-we-are/mbas-diversity-and-inclusion-initiative/about-mbas-diversity-and-inclusion-initiative.