Boston — ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston held its 12th Annual Networking & Fundraising Event on June 4 at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter. With more than 400 attendees representing over 160 companies and organizations across the architecture, engineering, construction, and trades industries, the event raised more than $535,000 to support ACE Greater Boston’s free after-school mentoring program and scholarships for local high school students.
The event featured networking opportunities, sponsor recognition, student stories, and fundraising activities that directly support ACE’s year-round programming. During the 2025-2026 school year, ACE Greater Boston awarded $279,000 in scholarships to 32 graduating seniors. Since 2015, the organization has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education and training opportunities.
“The overwhelming support from our sponsors, attendees, and industry partners reflects our industry’s commitment to investing in the next generation,” said Alejandro Miranda of Boylston Properties, event co-chair and newly elected president of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston board of directors. “The funds raised through this event will help ensure students continue to have access to mentorship, scholarships, career exploration opportunities, and connections with professionals who can help shape their future.”
At the event, the late Mike Tecci, a mentor, board member, past president, and one of the founding forces behind ACE Greater Boston, was recognized. He helped establish the Boston affiliate in 2007 and spent nearly two decades mentoring students, recruiting volunteers, and expanding opportunities for young people interested in careers in the built environment.
Yordy Tesfaye and Pedro Sifre
In recognition of his contributions, ACE Greater Boston established an annual mentor recognition award, the Mike Tecci Mentor of the Year Award. The inaugural award was presented by Pedro Sifre, principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and a longtime colleague of Tecci’s, to Yordy Tesfaye, project manager at Shawmut Design and Construction. Tesfaye, ACE alumni and current ACE Mentor, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to mentoring students and exemplifying the spirit of service and dedication that Tecci brought to ACE throughout his career.
The evening highlighted the impact of ACE Greater Boston, which served more than 175 students from nearly 40 high schools across Greater Boston during the 2025-2026 school year. Guests heard from ACE student and scholarship recipient Xintong Guo, a senior at Boston Latin School, who shared how the program helped shape her educational and career aspirations and provided valuable exposure to the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
“This event is a powerful reminder of the opportunities the ACE Mentor Program provides students across Greater Boston,” said Kristen Hurley, executive director of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston. “As we celebrate another successful year in 2026, we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our industry partners, mentors, sponsors, and community members. Their commitment allows us to inspire and prepare the next generation of diverse talent in architecture, construction, and engineering through hands-on mentorship, scholarships, and career exploration opportunities.”
