Our Team

Alma Aquino

President, Engaged Capital

With over 17 years worth of growth-focused strategic leadership, Alma Aquino brings intuitive management, strong business acumen and a solid track record of success with her to Engaged Capital. Since taking over as President, Alma has focused on strengthening operations, structuring innovative debt financing opportunities, and executing its strategic vision to provide lucrative opportunities for its investors and critical solutions for its borrowers. This has resulted in sales more than doubling and private investor growth increasing by over 50%.

Alma has particular strengths in stewarding accounts to ensure customer loyalty, operational excellence and maximum performance. Her primary focus is on creating a private lending avenue that is not only supportive, flexible and transparent but which also places high value on professionalism and integrity.

Prior to Engaged Capital, Alma held numerous finance strategy roles including Global CFT Operations Leader at Creation Technologies, a company with over a 600,000 million revenue stream.

Erlene Sylvester

Underwriter & Portfolio Administrator, Engaged Capital

Erlene brings over a decade of experience in the financial services and real estate sector. Her role as Portfolio Administrator, Erlene provides direct support to the President, underwriting deals and overseeing the investment portfolio.

Previously, she served as a Senior Pineapple Underwriter, overseeing relationships with lenders, lawyers and brokers, ensuring the successful completion of deals. Erlene also held a Level 2 Mortgage Agent position, assisting clients in navigating their mortgage financial options.

As Portfolio Administrator, Erlene assures both investors and borrowers peace of mind and accountability. She operates with a heightened standard of care, honesty and good faith - always prioritizing your best interest.

Claudelle Marzo

Portfolio Administrator, Engaged Capital

Claudelle injects fresh excitement and enthusiasm into Engaged Capital as she embraces a new life that includes the intricate world of mortgage lending. Each day presents new insights, and she eagerly tackles these fresh challenges with enthusiasm.

Beyond the financial realm, Claudelle's passion lies in exploration. Traveling fuels her excitement, and each new destination is a chance for her to immerse herself in its culture.

In her role as Portfolio Administrator, Claudelle provides essential assistance to the President and the Underwriter, consistently placing your best interests at the forefront.

Kendall Marin

Director, Engaged Capital

Kendall has had a celebrated career, both in the corporate world and as a seasoned entrepreneur. In 2012, he made his debut in the mortgage industry where since 2018, he has been featured for three consecutive years in the annual Canadian Mortgage Professional’s Hot List which recognizes the industry’s top leaders.

Additionally, Kendall has had over 10 years of private lending experience and continues to have a specialist interest in mortgage investing. Through a wealth of operational knowledge, he has designed an efficient underwriting process and exemplary private lending experience that minimizes risk and maximizes the return for our investors. As Director of Engaged Capital, Kendall has helped grow the company by fine-tuning the business processes to ensure maximum productivity.

Shubha Dasgupta

Director, Engaged Capital

Since entering the mortgage industry in 2008 as a Mortgage Broker, Shubha has been dedicated to developing expertise in secured real estate investing. He has also held an extensive career in private lending and asset management for investors, placing more than $500M in private mortgages to date. Through capital preservation strategies he has helped Engaged Capital maintain a 0% capital loss within the portfolio.

Also an award-winning executive and seasoned industry expert, Shubha is recognized among the ‘2020 Mortgage Global 100’ top executives who are inciting positive change and growth within the industry. Since 2018, he has also been featured consecutively in the annual Canadian Mortgage Professional’s Hot List which highlights the industry’s top leaders. In 2021, he was appointed President of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) Ontario Board of Directors.