DRW

Welcome

In 2025, we embraced a theme that guided our work, our partnerships, and our ambitions: expansion. Expansion is commonly defined as the act of increasing in extent, number, scope, or volume. This definition reflects the challenge we issued to ourselves this year: to think bigger and to dream bigger about what meaningful philanthropic investment looks like.

Letter From The Trading Desk

My career began at DRW in 2001, and as I reflect on the last 25 years, one thing that has kept me here is the firm's genuine commitment to the communities around us. I've always cared about showing up and giving back, and during my time at DRW, I watched leaders of the firm leverage our resources for good. They embodied the belief that if you're in a position to help, you should. Seeing this leadership in action inspired me to get involved when the firm launched the DRW Foundation, and subsequently formed a Philanthropy Committee, in 2004.

Investment Recap

Education

At DRW, we cultivate a culture of critical thought; we like solving problems and questioning what we think we know – Education enhances knowledge, critical thinking, and skill development, leading to better career opportunities and higher earning potential for individuals.

Future Workforce

Investing in career readiness and workforce development is a strategic approach to building a resilient and competent workforce. DRW prioritizes schools and organizations that are preparing diverse youth to pursue careers in finance and tech.

Community Resources

We believe that a stable and supportive community environment is crucial for individuals to fully benefit from the educational and career development opportunities that we invest in.

A Global Presence

From Singapore to Montreal, Chicago to Houston, our employees are showing up for the communities they call home. Across every office, DRW teams are rolling up their sleeves to support the people, students, and organizations making a difference where we live and work.

Code2College STEM Case Competitions in Austin & Chicago

Code2College wanted the opportunity to give high school students authentic exposure to the problem-solving and teamwork that fuels careers in technology here at DRW, and two DRW Employees in Austin, Britt Yenne, Senior Software Developer, and Shiva Mayer, Quantitative Researcher, jumped at the opportunity to do so.

Cristo Rey Partnership in Houston

Scott Pleus, Chief Operating Officer – Commodities, recognized that the Cristo Rey work-study program he partnered with at a previous workplace aligned with the causes and initiatives DRW prioritizes.

By The Numbers

In 2025, our commitment to community investment translated into measurable impact. Behind each of the following numbers is a story of meaningful change in the communities where DRW employees live and work.

Co-Creating A Culture of Belonging

Community Investment plays a key role in shaping DRW's culture, striving to create a work environment where employees feel connected to one another and to the broader community. Employee Resource groups (ERGs) also play a central role in shaping the experience of DRW employees, and we partnered together in 2025 to create spaces where employees could drive impact both inside and outside of the firm.

The Bloc & VIBE ERG

In honor of Black History Month in February of 2025, the VIBE (Vested in Black Engagement) ERG invited Jamyle Cannon, Executive Director of The Bloc, to speak about his journey from educator to community leader, and how his passion for boxing became a powerful tool in empowering youth from Chicago’s West Side.

Unidos & TA98

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall of 2025, Unidos hosted a virtual event with The Alliance 98 (TA98). Unidos is dedicated to fostering community, building alliances, and taking action on issues that are pertinent to the Hispanic and Latino community at DRW.

Future Frontiers Employability Skills Workshop

During Global Volunteer Month in April, DRW partnered with Future Frontiers to host an Employability Skills Day for students from Alec Reed Academy.

Interview with a Community Champion

When I first became a Community Champion, I remember being shocked by how many organizations we work with. DRW works with 30+ organizations throughout Chicago and internationally as well. I've learned so much, including the fact that DRW sponsors a Noble Charter School in Chicago! Not only that, but we also currently have 3 high school interns working at DRW that attend the DRW Noble School. I'm so grateful to be part of that program and to be a manager to one of the interns! I have also learned how much work is required to make sure all of these partnerships are running smoothly.

Associate Board Experience

Joining the Associate Board of College Possible felt like a meaningful way to get involved beyond my day-to-day work and support something I genuinely care about. When I joined the board, I was in school myself getting my Master's part-time, so the idea of helping students navigate the path to college felt especially personal. I was experiencing how impactful higher education can be, and it felt like the right time to support students working toward that same opportunity.