Krysta Chae Diaz is a seasoned professional in business loan underwriting, currently serving as a senior loan underwriter at Business Consortium Fund. With extensive experience in small business lending, credit analysis, and community development finance, she has developed a strong understanding of the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses and applicants from low- to moderate-income backgrounds. In her role, Ms. Diaz underwrites loans, analyzes financial documents, and assesses eligibility while leveraging her expertise in nonprofit community development financial institutions to improve processes and expedite loan disbursement. She works closely with a dedicated team of eight professionals, each contributing diverse perspectives and skills that help the organization deliver meaningful financial support to those in need.
Ms. Diaz pursued her education with determination, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in finance from the University of Texas at Austin after earning an Associate of Arts in business administration and management from San Jacinto College. Growing up in Houston in a single-parent household with limited resources, she moved frequently and relied on the support of her family. Her mother instilled in her the importance of education. She encouraged her involvement in sports, which built her resilience and nurtured a strong work ethic that has shaped her personal and professional success. This solid educational foundation gave her the analytical tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the financial world and paved the way for her future accomplishments.
Ms. Diaz’s career began at Farmers Insurance, where she worked as an underwriter in personal lines underwriting for auto and home insurance. This early experience gave her essential risk assessment skills and customer relations skills. She boldly relocated to Brooklyn with just two suitcases and no job, seeking broader opportunities and choosing Bedford-Stuyvesant as her new home. While working in the service industry to support herself, she actively pursued opportunities in finance, ultimately securing a role in online lending in midtown Manhattan. There, she witnessed the early stages of online loans and merchant cash advances, which deepened her understanding of the evolving financial sector and sharpened her ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Over the following years, Ms. Diaz built a robust career in lending and underwriting. At Fora Financial, she started as a customer care specialist and quickly advanced to underwriter II, refining her skills in credit analysis and loan structuring. She later joined PeopleFund, first as a senior underwriter and then as an underwriting manager, where she focused on supporting small businesses and streamlining underwriting processes. Her expertise led her to B.S.D. Capital, Inc., doing business as Lendistry, where she served as an underwriter III before earning a promotion to portfolio manager. Throughout these roles, Ms. Diaz demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving financial access for underserved businesses, always striving to create more efficient and responsive financial systems.
Beyond her professional financial achievements, Ms. Diaz takes pride in her solo travel experiences, particularly her transformative journey through Western Europe, where she visited six countries and nine cities. This adventure underscored her independence and contributed significantly to her personal growth, broadening her perspective on life and the world. Another milestone in her life was purchasing her first home, which is a testament to her financial discipline and long-term commitment to stability. Although she faced the setback of a layoff shortly after this purchase, she navigated the job market with determination and a renewed focus on her career path, ultimately using the experience to refine her professional approach further.
Outside of her work in finance, Ms. Diaz embraces a variety of creative and hands-on pursuits. She enjoys the arts, engaging in do-it-yourself home projects, woodworking, photography, and outdoor activities. These hobbies provide a creative outlet and complement her analytical mindset, allowing her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective. Her diverse interests have enriched her life and bolstered her ability to think innovatively in her professional role.
Ms. Diaz remains dedicated to her role in the Business Consortium Fund, continuously striving to streamline processes and expedite funding to support small businesses. She envisions expanding her contributions to community-focused financial initiatives and deepening her involvement in projects that drive economic growth and social equity. Through her work, she seeks to create efficient systems that empower business owners and foster sustainable development.
As she continues to grow in her career, Ms. Diaz reflects on her journey with gratitude and a clear focus on the future. She believes that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and that true success stems from hard work, perseverance, and the courage to adapt. Her story inspires others, highlighting the power of determination and the importance of community in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.