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



The Team

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

As President of InNova Consulting, Inc., Samina leads 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

Articles

Julian Gnatenco, PE, PTOE

Executive Vice President / Traffic Lead

With three decades dedicated to civil and transportation engineering, Julian’s expertise is 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.

Zach Bell

Senior Aviation Planner

Zachary Bell 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

Alan Bui 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.

Long Vo

Senior Aviation Planner

Long Vo 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.

Doug Lee

Aviation Lead

Doug Lee 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.

Lauren Hunt, MPH, RSP

Director of Operations

Lauren Hunt, MPH, RSP

Director of Operations

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.

Wenmei (May) Englert, PE

Project Civil Engineer

Wenmei (May) Englert, PE

Project Civil Engineer

Wenmei Englert 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, supported by advanced skills in traffic management analysis review, 3D utility modeling, and stormwater management. At InNova, Wenmei will lead transportation and site development projects, oversee QA/QC and design coordination, and mentor staff as the team delivers safe, efficient, and compliant infrastructure solutions for clients.

Ahmad Samara, PE

Director of Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing

Ahmad Samara, PE

Director of Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing

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.

Muqheet (Sam) Syed

Director of Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Certifications

C-10 Electrical (CA)
C-46 Solar (CA); Electrical Contractor (Elgin)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
PV Installation Professional, PV Technical Sales, and PV System Inspector

Muqheet (Sam) Syed

Director of Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Muqheet “Sam” Syed is the Director of Renewable and Sustainable Energy at InNova Consulting, bringing over 14 years of experience in solar system design, engineering, and installation. As a licensed Electrical Contractor and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified professional, Sam leads innovative renewable energy initiatives that integrate sustainable technology with practical application. His hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and off-grid projects reflects a commitment to advancing energy efficiency and expanding access to clean power solutions

Amina Saleem

Marketing Manager

At InNova Consulting, 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.

Alexia Paul, RLA, LEED AP

Landscape Architect / Urban Designer

Certifications

Registered Landscape Architect: Florida and Illinois
LEED AP

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

Project Engineer

Certifications

IDOT Certification: Documentation of Contract Quantities

Projects

Mohammed (Fazl) Ur Rahman

Project Engineer

Mohammed Fazl ur Rahman is a Civil Engineer with over nine 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 Project 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.

James Saba

Mechanical Engineer, Intern

James Saba

Mechanical Engineer, Intern

James is currently a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Illinois Chicago and an MEP Intern with InNova, where he supports the design and documentation of building systems for commercial, residential, and hospitality projects. He develops HVAC and MEP layouts in Revit, produces construction documents, and assists with on-site inspections to verify system installations and building code compliance. James applies local and international codes, including the Chicago Municipal Code, to perform mechanical ventilation calculations and ensure proper indoor air quality across a range of building types. His academic and project experience spans aerospace design, automation, and structural fabrication, reinforcing a strong technical foundation and hands-on problem-solving approach. Known for his attention to detail, collaborative mindset, and eagerness to learn under senior mentorship, James contributes to efficient project delivery while continuing to grow as an emerging mechanical engineer.

Mohammed Shoaib Ghori

Structural Engineer

Certifications

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer

Mohammed Shoaib Ghori

Structural Engineer

Mohammed Shoaib Ghori is a Structural Engineer with extensive experience delivering large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across Illinois, India, and Saudi Arabia. With expertise in advanced structural design software, BIM, and project coordination, Shoaib is skilled in preparing calculation packages, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring innovative, efficient, and resilient structural solutions. Holding a Master’s in Structural Engineering and working toward FE certification, he combines strong technical knowledge with problem-solving and leadership abilities to deliver excellence in every project.

Amal Muhsin

Solutions and Strategy Manager

Amal Muhsin

Solutions and Strategy Manager

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.