By: Ashmar Mandou

Cicero resident Marco Polo harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit from watching his father work exceptionally hard as a farmer back in Mexico. “My father had this immense piece of land and he always, day and night, worked so hard. He worked with integrity and truly showed me the meaning of hard work and how to give back,” said Polo, proprietor of several businesses including restaurant and banquet hall Pescadon in Summit, IL. Polo, who was born in Texas, but moved back with his family to Mexico, always knew his purpose in life. “I witnessed how my parents worked, I learned from their stories, I grew up with such pride for my culture, our story, which is something that I want to pass on to my children and to the younger generations living in a time when it is increasingly difficult.” During Hispanic Heritage Month we honor Polo not only for his entrepreneurial spirit, but his philanthropic work in past years dedicating his time and services holding fundraisers across the city and suburbs, including Cicero to assist children in need. “We have to continue to our efforts to help the younger generations because after all, as they say, the children are our future. It is my calling in life to help, through the tools that have been given to me, to create a pathway that children can access to create a better life. Whether it is through scholarships, or mentorships, my sole purpose is give as much back to the community, to teach the younger generations that they are valued and that they have the capabilities to create their own reality. Their own path in life.”