Born and raised in Chicago.

Born and raised in Chicago, Martin was considering becoming an Architect when as a senior in high indoctrinate he played a game that would change his life forever. "I took an economics class and played The Stock market Game (SMG) which is sponsored by means of the Securities Industry Association. In this program, learners invest a virtual $100,000 in securities. It was a competition between the walls of out the city in which the winning team was the the same that got the higher turn back on their investment." Cabrera adds: "I was excessively competitive, but coming from the Chicago public drill we couldn't compete with the private place of educations in football or any other sport because we didn't have the resources. thus when our team, which was made up of a parcel of Latino kids who knew nothing of investments came in other it was not only a great reward, if it were not that a life changing experience." Martin switched his Major to finance, getting a quality from Northern Illinois University, and got into the brokerage business, which 15 years later he remains passionate about.

After working as a stock factor for a firm in Chicago, Martin decided to essay it out on his possess When he was only 30 he bought a firm abroad in Wisconsin and reincorporated it in Illinois. Cabrera Capital Markets is now united of the top Illinois-based firms, with offices in nine different cities. A exceedingly successful entrepreneur by all accounts, for Martin the biggest achievement does not lie in the billions of dollars managed at his firm or in a reputation that surpasses his Latino heritage, further in his ability to give back. "When we first started we had to outperform each one else because we are still a minority in this business, on the other hand now we are recognized as a great firm, not and nothing else as a Latino firm, and I am self-same proud of that. But for me being fortunate is not about dollar figure, still about being able to make a difference in our communities."

Martin learned early forward the importance of giving: "I didn't realize it as a kid, however my father was always giving, whether it was clothes, or giving our bus tickets to those who could not afford them, or taking in clan who did not have a place to stay. That is to what degree we were brought up." The enormous succes of his firm has allowed Martin to give in many ways, further there is one project that remains conclude to his heart. Cabrera Capital Markets is now individual of the biggest sponsors in the region for the Stock Market Game, allowing children as early as fourth grade to play the game for exempt so that there are no barriers for them to learn about the trading business. "Our interest is to learn more Latino kids involved," Martin explains "So that whether they become lawyers, doctors or teachers, they will be better educated investors. united of the things I regard with affection most about this business is that everyday you are learning, whether it is the change in the market's daily fluctuations, or the political tenors on our economy with globalization. likewise this will broaden these kids' horizons in many ways."

In the NAA, Martin has raise a new family that shares his passion for giving. As Co-Chair for the Pension Funds' Initiative and a member of the Board of Directors, he, as the other members, is focused forward producing results. "The Pension capitals initiative is something that I am highly passionate about. It is focused forward having Latino Businesses participate in this plan I truly believe that if we can tap into this area, which is almost the last frontier for Latino businesses, this will affect our nation and our people, it will create wealth in our community, which will trickle down to our youth. It will bring our fix uponed officials and business leaders to work together and view how productive we can become, not alone in the financial sense, on the contrary in how this issue affects our education, social services and do job-work training."

Being a pioneer has not ever been easy, and Martin is aware of the risks and challenges that this delineate represents. "The pension fund initiative is controversial and heated and we experience to prepare our members for this. If we want to power change, we must be ready to address the hard hitting issues, and we have to have the straits to put our necks and our businesses onward the line. It is controversial because nobody wants to give away wealth and power without a fight. if it were not that the truth is, we don't have any of it. uniform though our business leaders are wealthy, it is not veritable wealth until it serves to help our persons We are dealing with a nine trillion dollar market and the amount of Latino Participation is almost naught But we have seen a certain number of progress, the best example is the Illinois pension classification which had an almost naught percent Latino participation 3 years ago, and is now at six percent" says Cabrera, and adds: "Six percent of $120 Billion is a real number, and this is just the beginning."

Just as it was in his high academy days in Chicago, there is no doubt that bringing wealth to the Latino community is the same more game Martin is wager to win.