An Inside Look at the ConstructConnect® Team Behind AEC Cares | #ProjectBoston

In short:

• AEC Cares brings together architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to give back to communities through impactful renovation projects.
• This year’s event focused on renovating the Catholic Charities Teen Center at St. Peter’s in Boston, creating welcoming and functional spaces for local teens.
• The AEC Cares Steering Committee managed planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring the project’s success through teamwork and volunteerism.
• Upgrades included remodeled recreational areas, a new music room, a weight room, a dance studio, and refreshed communal spaces.
• The renovated Teen Center offers a safe and inspiring environment, fostering growth, learning, and positive development for local youth.

On Wednesday, June 4, more than 100 volunteers from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry gathered in Boston for an annual day of service through AEC Cares,  a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of which ConstructConnect® is a founding member and primary organizer. AEC Cares was founded in 2011 by members of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry who shared a vision of giving back to communities in need. Each year, AEC Cares engages industry professionals in a volunteer event coinciding with the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design. Past locations have included Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

This year’s volunteers participated in its 2025 Day of Service renovating the Catholic Charities Teen Center at St. Peter’s. Although the transformation took place in one day, this project was made possible by over a year of planning and coordination by the AEC Cares Steering Committee, a small group of volunteer team members at ConstructConnect who are responsible for everything from scouting out the site of each year’s AEC Cares project, working with pro bono designers to define the scope of the renovations, and ensuring each project has the sponsors and volunteers it needs to succeed.

“AEC Cares is committed to changing spaces and lives through community-focused renovation projects, thanks to the efforts of industry volunteers through the coordination of our Steering Committee,” said Jennifer Johnson, President of the AEC Cares Board of Directors and ConstructConnect Chief Product Officer. “Our story is one of community, dedication, and the belief that small actions can lead to big changes, year after year.”

On the day of service itself, the Steering Committee handled prepping the site, checked in volunteers, and rolled up their sleeves to bring the vision to life alongside those volunteers. Their work not only embodies ConstructConnect’s mission to power the people and projects that build thriving communities but also shows their dedication to service.

The 2025 award recipient, The Catholic Charities Teen Center at St. Peter’s, serves adolescents in Dorchester's Bowdoin-Geneva neighborhood, providing after-school and summer programs that build self-esteem and develop tools for academic and personal growth. This year’s renovation spanned two floors and multiple room types at the Teen Center. The entrance area and hallway on the first floor were refreshed to create a more welcoming atmosphere. The basement level saw a complete redesign, including freshly painted and refinished bathrooms, a fully furnished modern recreation space, music room, weight room, dance studio, and cafeteria space. New flooring, ceiling tiles, paint, furnishings, finishes, and lighting fixtures were added to both floors to create a more inviting space.

As the dust on this project settled, we spoke with members of the AEC Cares Steering Committee about their experience and this year’s #AECCaresProject. Keep reading for a behind the scenes look at this project from the people who planned it.

How many years have you been involved with AEC Cares, and what is your role on the Steering Committee?

“I have been involved with AEC Cares since the very first project in New Orleans in 2011. During that project we renovated five houses after the devastation of hurricane Katrina to help the community get back on their feet. This year, I served as project manager for this year’s Steering Committee. Some of my core responsibilities included finding, visiting, and recommending potential sites for AEC Cares to renovate. After landing on Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center, I worked closely with our pro bono design team and general contractor as well as Catholic Charities Boston to ensure we had everything we needed to make this project a success.”

– John Royster AEC Cares Board Member and ConstructConnect Vice President, Customer Support & Operations

“Although I assisted with last year’s AEC Cares project in Washington D.C. after joining ConstructConnect in May of 2024, this was my first full year serving on the Steering Committee as the social media manager. I help tell the story of the project—highlighting the mission, people involved, and the impact we’re making. I focus on creating content that shares what AEC Cares is all about, giving shoutouts to our amazing sponsors, and showing the transformation that happens on our build day. It’s a team effort, and I’m glad I get to play a part in helping more people see the good that comes out of this work!”

– Julie Riley AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Social Media Manager

“I have been involved in AEC Cares for five years and four projects. I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility in the Steering Committee this year, going from only handling the food and beverages for volunteers to more behind-the-scenes work. This year I assisted with coordinating with our pro bono design teams, managing paperwork for the project, and organizing the materials and specs that were given to us by the design team.”

– Tiffany Moehrke AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Manager, Customer Operations

What inspired you to get involved with AEC Cares?

“It's one thing to plan these events; it is another to be part of the renovation itself and to see the impact it has. I’ll never forget about these two eight-year-old boys that hopped on our volunteer bus in 2016 right after we transformed their youth center. Both walked down the aisle of the bus and hugged every single volunteer and thanked them for transforming their space. After that, I was hooked.”

– Derek Guffey AEC Cares Board Member and ConstructConnect Vice President, Sales

“I’ve had a soft spot for volunteer work since I was young. It started when I used to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. I loved seeing the direct, visible impact those projects had on communities. It was a similar sentiment that drew me to AEC Cares; the chance to be part of something hands-on, where you can see the transformation happen right in front of you. Since I’ve become involved in AEC Cares, I’ve also been inspired by the types of organizations we support. Each of the charities we have helped are doing incredibly meaningful work and truly deserve the help.”

– Ayzia Baros AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Senior Customer Care Manager

“I really value that ConstructConnect supports initiatives like AEC Cares—it shows our commitment to giving back in a real, hands-on way. So much of my day is spent behind a screen, and this gives me a chance to step away from the computer and be physically present in the community. It’s rewarding to contribute to something so tangible and meaningful alongside others in our industry.”

– Kelsey Erhart AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Online Content & Community Manager

What’s your favorite part of this year’s project?

“My favorite part of this year's project was the listening tour and brainstorming session AEC Cares had with the teens who use the space. After this occurred, I got to hear about what they envision for the renovated space. Getting to hear them reimagine their spaces to be more welcoming and functional was such a special part of the design and made the results of this project even more personal.”

– Blaise Bornhorst AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Engagement Senior Manager

“What excites me most this year is the wide-reaching impact of the project—especially for the kids. Creating a space where they can feel safe, learn, grow, and just be kids during the most formative years of their lives is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of and I can’t wait to see the outcome of this year’s project.”

– Kate Wenzel AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Director, Brand & Digital Marketing

“I'm originally from Connecticut and spent a significant part of my life in Boston, so having this year’s project in Dorchester feels like it’s happening right in my old backyard. That makes this project that much more special to me.”

– Brittani Phillips AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Senior Integrated Marketing Manager

“Giving kids a space that’s safe, fun, and works well for them will make a big difference in their lives. Seeing the difference an act of kindness can make in someone’s life is so meaningful. I wanted to be part of something that builds a brighter future and makes a lasting impact.”

– Dawn Reiner AEC Cares Steering Committee Member and ConstructConnect Senior Events Manager

To see the results of #AECCaresProejctBoston check out this coverage from CBS News.Click here if you are interested in volunteering, donating, or sponsoring the AEC Cares Day of Service in 2026.