06/04/2025
#ProjectBoston at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design
Boston, MA – As thousands of architects descended on this year’s host city of Boston for the AIA convention, Sika once again participated in the AEC Cares event the day before the expo opened. AEC Cares was first established in 2011 as a charitable outlet for the staff at ConstructConnect as a way to give back each year at the AIA Convention along with partner sponsors. Typically, the event centers on giving back to youth or veterans in need in the local community. Sika was first approached to be a participating sponsor at the event in 2023 when the AIA convention was taking place in San Francisco.
Sika has now been a sponsor for three years running with each subsequent year bringing more and more volunteers to the event. For the 2025 Boston event, Sika donated $5,000 to help fund supplies needed and had 18 volunteers participate in the day. In total, there were roughly 150 volunteers made up of ConstructConnect staff and industry participants. This year’s event took place at the Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center in Dorchester.
shared how much the center means to the local youth. Volunteers also heard from local Boston police officer Manuel Andrade who spent time at the center as a youth which helped inspire him to want to give back to the local community in his career. Lastly, current Teen Center member Keila Rosario spoke about the impact the center had on her life after emigrating to the U.S. in 9th grade which was clear to see as she graduated high school this year as her class valedictorian and with a full scholarship to college in the fall.
All in all, these speakers were a true testament to the impact the day’s work could have on so many young people in the area and how much the effort meant. Sika’s volunteers were extremely proud of what they accomplished together that day as a team and to be there representing Sika.
The center helps support 300+ local youths with after-school and summer programs offering a safe and supportive place for them to go when not in school. Volunteers completely revitalized the large entry and foyer area on the first floor as well as completely revamped the basement common areas and gym. Work included painting, installation of new furniture and lockers, game tables installation and much more. Donations from sponsors also helped fund new flooring installation throughout prior to the arrival of the volunteers.
During the lunch break at the event, participants also got the rare treat of some guest speakers including the President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, Kelley Tuthill and the local Boston Police Superintendent, Nora Baston who