Careers

About Us

InNova is built on a foundation of passion, expertise, and generational ties to the engineering profession. Established in 2023, our firm was founded with a vision to deliver innovative, high-quality civil, structural, planning, and transportation solutions. Guided by technical excellence, community impact, and forward-thinking design, we are dedicated to creating solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also shape stronger, more sustainable communities for the future. At InNova, we lead by example, with a commitment to active community engagement and meaningful partnerships that ensure our work not only meets the highest technical standards but also reflects the values and needs of the people we serve.

Executive Leadership

Samina Saleem

President

Julian Gnatenco, PE, PTOE

Executive Vice President / Traffic Lead



The Team

Bernadette Armendariz

Planner

Zach Bell

Senior Aviation Planner

Alan Bui

Aviation Planner

Wenmei (May) Englert, PE​

Senior Project Civil Engineer

Carsyn Fisher

Senior Aviation Planner

Lauren Hunt, MPH, RSP

Director of Operations

Doug Lee

Aviation Lead

Hafeez Mohammed

BIM Modeler

Abdul Rahman

Construction Engineer

Amal Muhsin, MCIS

Solutions and Strategy Manager

Alexia Paul, RLA, LEED AP

Landscape Architect / Urban Designer

Mohammed (Fazl) Ur Rahman

Construction Engineer

Shahbana Sadurdeen

Project Administrator

Amina Saleem

Marketing Manager

Sadiq Basha Shaik, PMP

Project Civil Engineer

Ahmad Samara, PE

Director of Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing

Afzal Syed

Lead Structural Engineer - Buildings

Raguez Taha ,PhD, PE

Lead Structural Engineer - Transportation

Long Vo

Senior Aviation Planner

Community Involvement

InNova is proud to support education in our community through a partnership with Maine East High School, providing students with hands-on opportunities to develop engineering skills with InNova staff. In addition, we actively sponsor local events to stay connected and engaged with our community.

Samina Saleem

President

Email

ssaleem@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Samina Saleem

President

Samina leads as the President of InNova Consulting, Inc. with both technical expertise and business foresight. Raised by a City of Chicago engineer, she developed a lifelong connection to the field and a deep respect for the vital role engineering plays in shaping communities. That early exposure, combined with her own career as a software engineer and family’s multigenerational ties to civil engineering, inspires Samina to guide InNova with vision, integrity, and innovation. Samina oversee strategic growth and business development, cultivate partnerships, and ensures InNova staff not only delivers high-quality, innovative solutions but also reflects the company commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and advancing opportunities for women in STEM.

Julian Gnatenco, PE, PTOE

Executive Vice President / Traffic Lead

Certifications

  • Professional Engineer: Illinois and Indiana
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer

Email

  • jgnatenco@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Julian brings three decades of experience in civil and transportation engineering, making his expertise a cornerstone of our team. His involvement in all facets of traffic engineering is extensive, marked by key roles in numerous Phase I and Phase II transportation projects for prominent agencies such as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Illinois Tollway, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Cook County, Kane County, and numerous local municipalities. Julian’s deep knowledge encompasses major traffic studies, sophisticated traffic and travel demand modeling, optimizing traffic signal and arterial operations, in-depth safety studies, precise traffic signal design, and effective project management. His commitment to delivering efficient and safe transportation solutions ensures exceptional results for our clients.

Bernadette Armendariz

Planner

Email

barmendariz@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Bernadette leads InNova’s stakeholder engagement activities, supports planning projects, and assists in optimizing internal team processes. Bernadette brings experience in community engagement, transportation policy research and writing, data analysis, and project management. She has worked across multiple public sector offices including a metropolitan transportation agency, a congressional office, and local campaigns and nonprofits. Throughout her career, she has worked on initiatives that help create safer and more equitable communities through projects including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, mobility hubs, better bus system, and ballot referendum requesting an increase in sales tax funding for public transit. Bernadette specializes in bridging the communication gap between the technical world and the day-to-day life of community members.

Zach Bell

Senior Aviation Planner

Certifications

Remote Pilot Part 107

Email

zbell@innovaconsultinc.com

Projects

Zach is a Senior Aviation Planner with extensive experience in operational phasing, construction planning, and compliance evaluation for major airports and airspace projects. He currently supports the Chicago Department of Aviation at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, where he provides planning, phasing, and technical analysis to ensure safe and efficient operations during large-scale capital improvement projects. Zachary’s background also includes airspace analysis at Leidos and UAS/LiDAR data acquisition at Axis GeoAviation, giving him a strong foundation in both planning and advanced geospatial technologies.

Alan Bui

Aviation Planner

Email

abui@innovaconsultinc.com

Projects

Alan is an Aviation Consultant and Airport Planner with experience supporting complex airport projects at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. His expertise includes airspace analysis, taxiway and aircraft parking layout design, and operational phasing to ensure safe, efficient airfield operations. Alan has collaborated with the Chicago Department of Aviation, FAA, airlines, and contractors to deliver technical solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and long-term planning. His background also includes flight operations support at Kalitta Air, giving him a strong foundation in both planning and operational perspectives.

Wenmei (May) Englert, PE

Project Civil Engineer


Certifications

  • Professional Engineer: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,Texas, Wisconsin
  • IDOT Documentation of Contract Qauntities

Email

wenglert@innovaconsultinc.com

May is a results‑driven civil engineer with over a decade of experience spanning transportation design, site development, and construction support across both public and private sectors. Her portfolio includes roadway and intersection improvements, ADA‑compliant design, FAA‑coordinated projects, drainage and erosion control, and full‑site development from concept through permitting. She brings strong expertise in QA/QC, technical documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination, all supported by advanced skills in traffic management analysis review, 3D utility modeling, and stormwater management. At InNova, Wenmei leads transportation and site development projects, oversees QA/QC and design coordination, and mentors staff as the team delivers safe, efficient, and compliant infrastructure solutions for clients.

Carsyn Fisher

Senior Aviation Planner

Email

cfisher@innovaconsultinc.com

Carsyn has experience supporting complex federal and commercial initiatives across the public sector, with a focus on energy, transportation, and large-scale program management. She specializes in project coordination, process improvement, and client relationship management, with experience supporting organizations with multi-billion-dollar budgets. Carsyn has also led and trained teams, streamlined internal processes, and enhanced data accessibility across project systems.

Lauren Hunt, MPH, RSP

Director of Operations


Certifications

Email

lhunt@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Lauren oversees daily operations, leads project delivery, supports client management, and creates streamline internal processes for InNova’s team of engineers and planners. Lauren brings a wealth of experience in transportation planning, consulting, and project management, with a career that spans local, state, and federal levels. Her deep understanding of client needs and her commitment to delivering exemplary results make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. Throughout her career, Lauren has worked on a diverse range of projects including Safe Routes to School programs, Bus Rapid Transit systems, public transit planning, Road Safety Audits, and crash analysis. Lauren specializes in navigating complex projects and collaborating across disciplines to guide her teams in achieving results.

Doug Lee

Aviation Lead

Email

dlee@innovaconsultinc.com

Projects

Doug Lee

Aviation Lead

Doug is InNova’s Aviation Lead with nearly a decade of specialized experience in aviation consulting. He has played a key role in planning, designing, and delivering multi-billion-dollar airport expansion projects at both Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports. With expertise in airfield, terminal, and landside operations, Doug excels at navigating complex stakeholder needs while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. His client-focused approach and hands-on leadership have consistently supported the successful execution of large-scale aviation initiatives.

Mohammed Hafeez

BIM Modeler

Email

mhafeez@innovaconsultinc.com

Hafeez Mohammed is a skilled CAD Drafter with a strong ability to translate concepts, sketches, and technical specifications into precise digital drawings for design and construction. Proficient in industry-standard drafting software, he develops detailed plans, layouts, and schematics that support engineers, architects, and project teams throughout all phases of development. Known for his attention to detail and thorough understanding of drafting standards, Hafeez ensures accuracy, consistency, and clarity in every deliverable. His work plays a vital role in bridging design intent with practical implementation, contributing to the successful execution of complex projects.

Abdul Rahman

Construction Engineer

Certifications

IDOT Certification: Documentation of Contract Quantities

Email

arahman@innovaconsultinc.com

Abdul Rahman

Construction Engineer

Abdul Rahman is a skilled Civil Engineer with specialized experience in road construction, site inspections, and contractor coordination. He holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Bradley University and is certified in IDOT Documentation of Contract Quantities. Abdul’s field experience includes supporting significant roadway rehabilitation projects, such as the $6M+ IL 122 project, where he monitored HMA paving operations, assisted with Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR), and ensured ADA compliance for sidewalk and curb installations. Proficient in technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks, he combines strong technical calculations with rigorous field documentation to lead project execution and ensure design standard compliance

Amal Muhsin

Solutions and Strategy Manager

Email

amuhsin@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Amal is a 10-year technology leader and solutions architect with an M.S. in Computer Information Systems, specializing in regulated sectors. She leads complex cloud, data, and compliance projects, turning business objectives into secure, efficient solutions. Her experience includes guiding major digital transformations and streamlining data systems for government and commercial.

Alexia Paul, RLA, LEED AP

Landscape Architect / Urban Designer

Certifications

Registered Landscape Architect: Florida and Illinois
LEED AP

Email

apaul@innovaconsultinc.com

Alexia Paul, RLA, LEED AP

Landscape Architect / Urban Designer

Alexia is an accomplished Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with extensive experience shaping transformative public spaces and infrastructure projects. Her portfolio spans transportation corridors, lakefront trails, historic parks, green roofs, and community open spaces, with notable contributions to Chicago’s Millennium Park, the 606 (Bloomingdale Trail), and South Lake Shore Drive reconstruction. Alexia is skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, guiding public processes, and integrating sustainable and context-sensitive design solutions. Licensed in Illinois and Florida, she brings a passion for creating landscapes that balance ecological stewardship, community needs, and long-term resilience.

Mohammed (Fazl) Ur Rahman

Construction Engineer

Certifications

  • IDOT Certification: Documentation of Contract Quantities
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health
  • IDOT Certified STTP-S33 Soils Field Testing and Inspection

Email

mrahman@innovaconsultinc.com

Projects

Fazl is a Civil Engineer with over ten years of international experience in transportation, construction, and design projects. He has worked on roadway, bridge, and infrastructure improvements across the United States, UAE, and India, specializing in project supervision, quality assurance, and compliance with industry standards. Currently serving as a Construction Engineer, Fazl brings expertise in both design and field inspection for IDOT and municipal projects. Dedicated to both professional excellence and community service, he is actively involved in local volunteer initiatives throughout the community.

Shahbana Sadurdeen

Project Administrator

Email

ssadurdeen@innovaconsultinc.com

Shahbana is a results-driven Business and Data Analyst with 8+ years of experience delivering data-driven solutions across consulting, healthcare, and operations. She specializes in Master Data Management (MDM), data quality, and translating business needs into actionable insights. Skilled in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, she has a strong track record of improving data integrity, optimizing workflows, and producing clear documentation. Currently a Project Administrator at InNova Consulting, she supports project delivery through data validation, team coordination, and process improvement, consistently driving efficient and high-quality outcomes.

Amina Saleem

Marketing Manager

Email

asaleem@innovaconsultinc.com

Articles

Amina leads marketing and communications efforts to strengthen brand presence, drive business development, and highlight the innovative work being done across projects. She plays a central role in advancing InNova’s mission by shaping outreach strategies, elevating community engagement, and fostering partnerships that reflect the firm’s commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. Her background includes leading political campaign initiatives where she managed communications, coordinated media coverage, and developed grassroots strategies that mobilized communities and amplified key messages. Drawing on this experience, Amina brings a unique perspective to InNova’s work, using storytelling and strategic outreach to showcase impact while supporting the firm’s growth as a woman- and minority-owned business.

Sadiq Basha Shaik, PMP

Project Civil Engineer

Certifications

PMP

Email

sshaik@innovaconsultinc.com

Sadiq is a Construction Civil Project Manager/Engineer with over six years of experience supporting Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and general contractor operations for civil infrastructure, industrial facilities, Renewable Natural Gas plants, landfills, and transportation projects up to $44M. He specializes in field engineering, construction management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), work packaging, permit coordination, and multidisciplinary Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical construction execution. Sadiq brings strong proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, Civil 3D, MS Project, Primavera P6, and BIM coordination. Currently serving as a Project Civil Engineer, he demonstrates expertise in both design and field construction management for transportation, municipal, and industrial projects.

Ahmad Samara, PE

Director of Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing

Licenses

  • Professional Engineer: Wisconsin

Articles

Email

asamara@innovaconsultinc.com

Ahmad is an accomplished Mechanical Project Manager with over 16 years of experience leading complex Mechanical, HVAC, and MEP projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he has successfully delivered high-profile initiatives such as the CTA 95th Street Terminal, the modernization of Chicago City Hall, and numerous high-rise and mixed-use developments. Ahmad possesses deep expertise in advanced HVAC system design, energy-efficient technologies, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination, ensuring the seamless integration of mechanical systems within multidisciplinary project environments. His strategic leadership and technical acumen consistently drive performance, sustainability, and precision across all phases of project execution.

Afzal Syed

Lead Structural Engineer - Buildings

Email

asyed@innovaconsultinc.com

Syed Afzal Hussain is a Structural Engineer with over a decade of experience in the design and coordination of high-rise residential and office towers, commercial developments, industrial facilities, and mission critical projects. His expertise spans structural steel, reinforced concrete, and masonry systems, with extensive experience delivering gravity and lateral system designs, foundation engineering, construction administration, and multidisciplinary coordination for complex developments. Afzal has contributed to a wide range of large-scale projects. Proficient in industry-leading structural analysis and BIM software, he is experienced in applying standards to produce efficient, code-compliant designs. Known for his technical precision, collaborative approach, and ability to manage projects through design and construction phases, Afzal brings a strong commitment to quality and innovative structural solutions.

Raguez Taha,PhD, PE

Lead Structural Engineer - Transportation

Licenses

  • Professional Engineer: Illinois

Certifications

  • Foundations of College Instruction (FOCI) Certificate

Email

rtaha@innovaconsultinc.com

Raguez specializes in structural engineering, nondestructive evaluation, and innovative infrastructure solutions, with a strong focus on advancing the durability and resilience of transportation systems. Raguez’s work centers on developing custom-engineered and additively manufactured components for strengthening aging steel bridges. She brings a unique blend of industry experience, academic research, and teaching, having contributed to major transportation projects across agencies such as Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Illinois Tollway, while also leading cutting-edge research in ultrasonic imaging, material characterization, and 3D reconstruction. Raguez is passionate about bridging the gap between emerging technologies and real-world infrastructure challenges, and is committed to driving innovation, mentorship, and equity within the engineering field.

Long Vo

Senior Aviation Planner

Email

lvo@innovaconsultinc.com

Projects

Long is a Senior Aviation Consultant and Senior Airport Planner with over four years of experience supporting major airport projects across the U.S., including O’Hare, Midway, Orlando, Tampa and Milwaukee International Airports. He specializes in airspace analysis, construction phasing, and aircraft parking layout design, helping airports optimize efficiency and safety during complex construction and expansion initiatives. Long has worked closely with the airport stakeholders such as the Chicago Department of Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration, airlines, and contractors to deliver technical planning, phasing strategies, and capital improvement planning. His collaborative approach and strong technical expertise make him a trusted partner in advancing operational efficiency and long-term airport growth.