In this episode of Changemakers from Within, host Rachel Klausner sits down with longtime friend and CSR trailblazer Katy Spriano, who supports the DK S.E.R.V.E.S. program at DraftKings. From global tree-planting initiatives to embedding volunteerism into new hire onboarding, Katy shares how DraftKings is weaving social impact into the fabric of company culture across six countries and thousands of employees.
Here are five key takeaways from Katy’s journey and her work in driving social responsibility at scale:
Listen to the episode here, or wherever you get your podcasts:
Changing Seats, Not Companies
After more than a decade in recruiting, Katy made the leap into CSR by following a simple but bold belief: sometimes you’re on the right bus, just in the wrong seat. Her career pivot began with internal networking at DraftKings and a willingness to start in a lower-title role that aligned more closely with her values. Her story is a testament to the power of taking calculated risks and trusting your gut—even if it means redefining what career growth looks like.
“This had nothing to do with a title or a LinkedIn update… it was about doing what I was meant to do.”
DK S.E.R.V.E.S.: A Strategic, Mission-Aligned CSR Program
DraftKings’ CSR strategy lives under its communications team—a decision that enables fast collaboration across internal and external messaging, legal and media. The DK S.E.R.V.E.S. framework centers around six core pillars:
- Service (supporting veterans and military families)
- Equity (uplifting marginalized communities)
- Responsibility (promoting responsible gaming)
- Vitality (supporting disease prevention and research)
- Environment (including global reforestation efforts)
- Sports (leveraging sport as a vehicle for social change)
This structure allows the team to run impactful, measurable programs aligned with company values and employee interests.
Global Impact Through Localized Action
With offices in the U.S., Bulgaria, the UK and beyond, Katy has helped bring CSR to life across dozens of cities. One standout initiative: global tree-planting events powered by DraftKings’ partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. These events are intentionally designed to get employees outside, giving back to causes they care about.
To date, DK S.E.R.V.E.S. has hosted nearly 40 in-person events, clocked over 3,500 volunteer hours and involved employees in everything from building care packages for women in crisis to spotlighting grassroots nonprofits through national campaigns.
Employee Engagement Is the Engine
Katy and her team focus heavily on employee-driven initiatives—from surveys to charity nominations to featuring employee stories during Volunteer Month. One highlight is DraftKings’ Holiday Give Back campaign, where employees nominate and vote on local nonprofits to receive $150,000+ in total donations across global offices.
DraftKings is also launching volunteer opportunities in onboarding, allowing new hires to immediately engage with social impact from day one—a move that reinforces company values and builds community early.
“It sets the tone—on day one, employees are given the opportunity to give back.”
Doing CSR at Scale Requires Cross-Functional Champions
Katy credits her program’s success to deep cross-department collaboration. Sitting under the communications team helps amplify messages, legal helps streamline approvals and employee resource groups help guide programming. Executive leadership, too, leads by example—showing up to volunteer events and supporting CSR as a company-wide goal.
Katy Spriano’s story is a masterclass in intrapreneurship—turning passion and people skills into meaningful programs that serve both the business and the broader community. From her start in recruiting to her global CSR leadership today, she reminds us that impact doesn’t just happen—it’s built through trust, creativity, and relentless heart.
Whether you’re starting a CSR program or looking to scale your impact, Katy’s journey offers inspiration, strategy, and a whole lot of proof that volunteerism and purpose belong at the center of company culture.
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This episode includes music by audionautix.com, released for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
