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How Collective Giving Makes a Difference: A Q&A with Ati Grinspun

Mar 5, 2025
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Leader of the Las Vegas Women in Business for Good Giving Circle

At Grapevine, we love shining a light on the inspiring individuals who make up our Giving Circles. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Ati Grinspun, a dedicated leader of the Las Vegas Women in Business for Good Giving Circle. Ati’s journey is one of empowerment, personal branding, and impactful philanthropy—read on to learn how she’s making a difference!

Get to Know Ati Grinspun

Ati Grinspun is a personal branding coach and photographer who helps women become the face of their business with confidence and authenticity. Born and raised in Argentina, she’s a proud Spanglish speaker after 22 years in the U.S. Now based in Las Vegas, she lives with her 10-year-old son, her husband—and their beloved dog, Kubuli. Before coaching full-time, Ati was the #1 female world champion flair bartender, ran a bartending school in Argentina, and built her photography business while bartending on the Vegas Strip.

Her passion for empowering women extends beyond business, as seen in her dedication to philanthropy. Ati’s journey into philanthropy has been just as intentional, shaping the way she gives back to her community. Through joining the Las Vegas Women in Business for Good Giving Circle, she has found a way to make a meaningful impact while connecting with like-minded individuals who share her dedication to service.

Q & A with Ati Grinspun

Q: What inspired you to join a Giving Circle?

Ati: I had been wanting to volunteer for a long time, but finding the right organization was a struggle. It wasn’t just about supporting a cause—I wanted to align with the people, the style, and the way they operated. Time commitment was another challenge.

When I first heard about a Giving Circle, it felt like the perfect solution. It allowed me to contribute in a meaningful way without a heavy time commitment. But what really hooked me was realizing that we weren’t just donating our time—we were pooling resources to fund different organizations. That was huge for me because I knew that collective giving could create an even bigger impact. And when I found out that the funds were unrestricted, meaning organizations could use them however they needed, I was all in.

"When I found out that the funds were unrestricted, meaning organizations could use them however they needed, I was all in."

Q: What has been the most meaningful part of your Giving Circle experience?

Ati: For me, there are two big things.

First, learning that the funds we give are unrestricted. Before joining the Giving Circle, I was already working closely with Dress for Success, and one of the women there shared something that stuck with me. She told me that while volunteers often give their time, donate products, or in their case, clothing—what organizations really struggle to get is cash donations. And that’s what they need most. Cash donations allow them to fill the gaps—buy the things that don’t get donated and, most importantly, pay the staff members who aren’t volunteers. That conversation made me realize just how crucial unrestricted funds are, and it made me even more passionate about what we’re doing in the Giving Circle.

The second thing is the incredible women I’ve met through this experience. Everyone in the Giving Circle is on the same page—we all want to give back, we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and we’re all committed to making an impact. The sense of community and shared purpose has been amazing.

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Las Vegas Women in Business for Good Giving Circle

"Everyone in the Giving Circle is on the same page—we all want to give back, we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and we’re all committed to making an impact."

Q: How has being part of a Giving Circle changed the way you think about philanthropy or giving back?

Ati: Oh, this is such a great question.

The biggest shift for me has been realizing just how many organizations are out there—and how most of them were started by people who personally went through something and wanted to give back. But despite all the incredible work they do, so many of these organizations operate with very little support.

Being part of a Giving Circle has allowed me to contribute to something so much bigger than myself. I never thought I’d be able to make this kind of impact, and yet, here I am, part of a collective effort that is truly changing lives.

"I never thought I’d be able to make this kind of impact, and yet, here I am, part of a collective effort that is truly changing lives."

Q: Can you share a memorable moment or impact story from your Giving Circle?

Ati: This one really hit home for me.

One of the most powerful moments was when we had an organization called Leaders in Training come in. As an immigrant, I had to navigate college as an adult, completely clueless about how the system worked. This organization helps first-generation college students from diverse backgrounds become the next generation of leaders—leaders who break down systemic inequities in every industry and every community. They’re literally redefining leadership.

Their goal is to ensure that all Nevada youth from humble beginnings have an equitable chance at higher education and leadership roles.

Hearing the stories of these first-generation students—how they’re receiving leadership training, guidance on getting into universities, and support for their parents to navigate scholarships—was incredibly moving. It made me realize how many organizations exist to serve different needs. But this one? This one felt personal. As an immigrant raising a son born in the U.S., I immediately thought, "This is an organization that I will need in the future."

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The Las Vegas Women in Business for Good Giving Circle gave $5,600 in unrestricted funding to Leaders in Training.

"Your contribution, no matter the size, goes so far. A Giving Circle is a no-brainer."

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining a Giving Circle?

Ati: Saying "do it" is an understatement.

This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life—not just because I’m on the board of one, but because it’s opened my eyes to how much we can do with so little.

It has completely shifted my mindset around abundance and reinforced how powerful community can be.

If you’re a busy professional or business owner who wants to give back but doesn’t know how because your time is limited, this is hands down the best way to make an impact. Your contribution, no matter the size, goes so far. A Giving Circle is a no-brainer.

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