(This article first appeared on Traders Magazine, a Markets Media Group publication.)

Marc Wyatt, Vice President and Head of Global Trading at T. Rowe Price joined the Wall Street Rides FAR (For Autism Research) Board of Directors in 2021. At T. Rowe Price, Wyatt leads trading desks across North America, Europe and Asia. He also oversees a variety of internal groups, including those focused on portfolio modeling and market structure.

As the father of an adult son on the spectrum, he was especially eager to have the opportunity to support the “incredible work and worthy mission” of the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), which funds research and supports families impacted by autism.

“When Melissa and Bryan Harkins started Wall Street Rides FAR (WSRF) ten years ago, raising funds for ASF has been the primary goal and we’ve been fortunate enough to increase the amount we’ve raised each year thanks to the generosity of our sponsors,” he said.

“Since I joined the Board of WSRF, we have also expand the ride geographically and it’s helping get the word out about how we can help this community,” he added.

Based on the data from ASF, 1 in 36 kids these days are going to be diagnosed on the spectrum. According to Wyatt “raising awareness is important to get a better understanding of autism to a wider audience which makes me very proud to be part of WSRF.”

Through his involvement with the autism community in Baltimore, Wyatt witnessed the various support groups available to families impacted by autism.

“Based on my family’s journey, we have been the beneficiary of a lot of wonderful people and great organizations over the years,” he told Traders Magazine.

As his family benefitted from this community in Baltimore, Wyatt was determined to pay it forward.

He said that everybody’s journey is a bit different, adding that he is always happy to share his perspective on how others can tap into various resources.

“It is also helping people like ASF Co-Founder and President Alison Singer, who’s doing amazing work in funding cutting edge research,” he said. “That’s why I’m so passionate.”

Wyatt said that one of the issues with autism is that it wasn’t always on the forefront of cutting edge research. “Prior to Alison starting ASF, there weren’t a whole lot of new thinking or energy in getting the next generation of researchers to get involved,” he said.

So when he looked at what Alison Singer was doing and the effectiveness that she’s had in funding doctors in giving these grants, it made him “even more excited to be part of Wall Street Rides FAR.”

Wyatt added that T. Rowe Price always wants to be involved in the communities that they operate in, whether in Baltimore, Colorado Springs, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Sydney: “We’re always trying to give back to the community.”

A few years ago, a small group at T. Rowe Price created a forum to support associates whose families face neurodiversity challenges. This pioneering team evolved into a business resource group called THRIVE, whose mission is to promote awareness, education, and acceptance of the broad spectrum of conditions affecting associates to create an inclusive, supporting work environment that fosters a sense of belonging and an appreciation of differences.

More specifically, THRIVE is dedicated to helping associates and caregivers of persons with disabilities and chronic conditions. “T. Rowe Price is committed to enabling associates to bring their full selves to work every day, and having this kind of support is really important,” Wyatt said.

Specifically dedicated to fostering inclusivity for associates with and caregivers of persons with disabilities and chronic conditions and their allies, THRIVE aims to foster a workplace environment that is both inclusive and supportive.

“T.Rowe always wants to give our associates the ability to bring their full selves, share their passion for causes and help the communities in which we operate,” commented Wyatt.

He added that T. Rowe Price name is known and respected for being a concerned corporate citizen in its communities around the globe. “I’m so proud to work at T. Rowe and very grateful to the firm’s executives for leading by example,” he said.

This year’s Wall Street Rides FAR, the annual charity cycling and walking event benefitting the ASF, is set to take place on Saturday, September 28 in Chicago, IL and Columbia, MD, as well as on Saturday, October 5 in Toronto, ON and White Plains, NY.

Bringing together many of the most prominent firms on Wall Street and beyond, all proceeds will benefit the Autism Science Foundation [globenewswire.com].

According to Wyatt, last year the Foundation raised over a $1m. “We are tracking ahead of where we were last year. So that’s a good sign, but every little bit helps,” he said.

“We work in a competitive industry and WSRF channels that competitive spirit into an opportunity to team build and raise funds for a cause that touches many across our network. Do I want to make sure that we have as much money as possible? You bet, but to me, it’s not just about ringing the cash register. It’s about making this community feel valued and supported,” he concluded.