12 March 2025

We are delighted to welcome Martina Grossi, our newest Gold Member at ES VICIS Foundation! Martina’s story is a testament to the passion, resilience, and sense of community that define the Argentine spirit. Her journey to supporting ES VICIS began in a moment filled with national pride: the World Cup.  When Passion Meets Purpose  During the excitement of the World Cup—a time when emotions and a sense of unity run high in Argentina—Martina felt a powerful urge to contribute to her community. As the match progressed and the tension mounted, Martina remembered her mother’s example: “In the face of challenges, especially health issues, my mom would turn to her faith, asking for help with the promise of giving back to the community. That’s how I grew up, learning the value of donating and helping those in need.” “I didn’t know which organization I wanted to support,” Martina shared. “But I knew I wanted to back a cause that was making a real difference in Argentina.” Amidst the collective emotion, Argentinians made all kinds of promises if the team won the World Cup: from getting a tattoo of Messi’s name to pilgrimaging to Luján, quitting bad habits, or even naming their future children “Emiliano” or “Lionel.” This decision, made in a moment of national celebration, reflects the deep-rooted value Argentinians place on belonging and mutual support. For Martina, the World Cup wasn’t just about football; it was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.  Why ES VICIS?  After nearly a decade abroad, Martina returned to Argentina, convinced of the country’s potential and determined to invest in its future. With a new vision and renewed confidence in the land of her birth, she embarked on her own path, reaffirming her commitment to Argentina’s development and transformation. “For me, it is an honor to contribute to the cause promoted by ES VICIS. By considering Argentina as ‘my village,’ I feel I live the spirit of the ‘Bienvenidos a mi Pueblo’ program. This initiative aims to strengthen local communities, seeing repopulation as an act of reconnection and support for the development of our land. I believe the talented and dedicated team behind the foundation is doing extraordinary work, changing the narratives that no longer serve us, restoring empowerment to the villages, and ultimately to our country,” she shared. Martina discovered the ES VICIS Foundation and found a mission that resonated deeply with her values. “For me, being a member and giving back means supporting causes I believe in—ones that I wouldn’t be able to directly aid otherwise. It’s about acknowledging those actively making a difference and expanding the reach of exceptional projects, which really gives me hope,” she explained. Her story highlights the mission of ES VICIS: creating opportunities in rural communities and fostering connections that inspire collective progress. Join the Movement  Martina’s journey is a call to action for all of us. Every action has the power to transform. Her story reminds us that impactful change often begins with a simple decision—to support, to belong, to contribute. Join us in this movement of generosity and help shape a brighter future in this beautiful country and beyond.

The ES VICIS Foundation’s “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program has empowered rural entrepreneurs in Argentina, helping them turn their ideas into impactful businesses. Here are three inspiring stories of entrepreneurs whose ventures have made a real difference in their communities. Natasha Dubrowsky: Innovating Education Through Gaming Natasha Dubrowsky, from Labordeboy, Argentina, is the founder of Synkronic Labs, a gaming studio with the mission of transforming education through play. Thanks to the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Natasha took her project to new heights, securing 2nd place and proving that passion and innovation can turn dreams into reality, no matter where you are. With the support of @fundacionalimentaris, Natasha advanced her educational video game project, designed to support children with ADHD by providing engaging tools to enhance focus and learning in a fun, interactive way. [Watch Natasha’s Story here] Juan: Building Communities with Affordable Construction Solutions From Maggiolo, Argentina, Juan is transforming his community through his venture, La Roca, which produces affordable, high-quality anti-humidity wall panels. His project addresses common housing challenges in the region, offering practical solutions for local families. Through the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Juan gained key business skills that helped him refine his model and plan for growth. Today, his venture is not just a source of income but a testament to the power of entrepreneurship in rural areas. [Watch Juan’s Story here] Brian Savino: Revolutionizing Local Hardware Commerce In Maggiolo, Argentina, Brian Savino is reshaping the hardware retail market with his business, Ferretería La Grange. With the support of the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Brian gained essential business skills to streamline his operations and expand his reach. Today, his store offers a physical location, an online catalog, and digital payment options, making shopping easier for his community while expanding sales beyond Santa Fe to other provinces. [Watch Brian’s Story here]