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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Empowering Current and Future Generations in Engineering

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we acknowledge the significant contributions of women across all industries, particularly in the field of engineering. Women continue to break barriers, lead innovative projects, and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. The 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” highlights the strength, dedication, and leadership that women bring to their careers, their communities, and the world.

Women have played a key role in developing engineering solutions that address the world’s most complex challenges. The 2025 theme recognizes these contributions and the lasting influence women continue to have on current and future generations of engineers and innovators.

At IEI, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, and ingenuity. As one of the largest minority-owned civil engineering firms in the country, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives. Women in our firm have been essential to the success of our projects and to building sustainable, resilient communities. Their experience and leadership advance our mission of “Connecting communities” and our vision of “Engineering Excellence.”

Read more here. LINK TO https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month

Since 1976, February has been set aside to recognize the significant contributions of Black people to the history of the United States. It’s an opportunity for all Americans to learn about the African American leaders whose work and lives impacted our culture in a myriad of ways across all sectors of society. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our collective past and inspires us to create possibilities for a brighter future.

This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the important ways that work – whether in skilled or labor-intensive roles, voluntary or otherwise – has been a central part of the Black experience. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans to the assembly lines of American manufacturing to the African Americans who are titans of their industries in 2025, Black labor has been foundational to the forming of a global economy and continues to be an integral part of economic growth, both in the U.S. and the world. This year’s theme celebrates Black work, in all its forms, for how it has and continues to shape history and influence culture.

At IEI, this theme resonates with us, as an African American majority-owned firm, we know that our success is part of the long legacy of Black labor. We honor that history with our commitment to diversity on our board, Strategic Leadership Team, and in our overall workforce, as well as our focus on delivering projects that transform and connect the communities we cherish. From the foundational work of enslaved Africans who helped build America’s infrastructure to Black professionals advocating for better opportunities and equality, our firm stands on the shoulders of those who fought and continue to fight for equality in all industries.

As an engineering firm, we’re especially focused on honoring the contributions of African American engineers and inventors, from pioneers and trailblazers, like George Washington Carver, whose agricultural innovations transformed farming, to Garrett Morgan, whose inventions, including the traffic signal, shaped modern safety practices to the talented engineers on IEI’s team who continue the legacy of Black innovation and impact the cities where we work. They continue to push boundaries and make lasting impacts on our communities.

Join us in reflecting on the achievements of Black labor and in working alongside us to continue advancing progress for the next generation.

For more information about Black History Month, visit www.blackhistorymonth.gov.

Infrastructure Engineering Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. David Robbins, M.S., as Vice President, Aviation Business Practice Lead. Based in IEI’s Houston office, Robbins will lead the firm’s growth in the aviation sector, building on IEI’s legacy of innovation and excellence in landside and airside infrastructure.  

Michael Sutton, PE, Founder and CEO of IEI, offered, “David is an outstanding addition to our team. His years of experience with developing and managing infrastructure projects related to runways, terminals and resiliency align perfectly with our vision for growth. His leadership will be pivotal in transforming the aviation landscape and driving continued innovation at IEI.” 

Robbins joins IEI with an extensive portfolio of work in aviation infrastructure, resiliency, sustainability, and energy management, contributing to major landside and airside projects across Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. Robbins holds a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Technology with dual concentrations in Aviation Management and Emergency Management from Eastern Michigan University. 

Most recently, Robbins served as the Director of Infrastructure/Resiliency for the Houston Airport System (HAS), where he led the First Airport Resilience Master Plan in the National Airspace System (NAS), addressing the alignment of Bush Intercontinental and Hobby International Airports and Ellington Spaceport with 100 Resilient Cities and C40 Protocol. While at HAS, Robbins secured the first and only FAA grant for a master plan effort of this nature. 

Over his 16-year tenure with the Chicago Department of Aviation, Robbins ascended to the role of Assistant Commissioner, where he led several key initiatives of the O’Hare (ORD) Modernization Program to enhance the critical infrastructure at ORD. Notably, he served as Senior Project Manager for the $1.3B North Airfield Project, which involved the design and construction of Runway 9L/27R and Runway 9C/27C East and the North Airfield Bridge Program. Robbins also played key roles in successfully delivering the design of the Runway 9R extension, the FBO Relocation, the 144” System E Storm Sewer design/construction, the Willow Higgins Creek Relocation, and the North Basin Reservoir expansion. 

In his new role, Robbins will focus on expanding IEI’s involvement in aviation infrastructure, strengthening partnerships with existing clients and pursuing new opportunities in the sector. His goal is to position IEI as a trusted partner for solving the most critical engineering challenges in aviation, while growing the division’s capabilities and team. 

“I was drawn to IEI’s strategic leadership and strong growth track record,” Robbins said. “I’m excited to help lead the expansion of IEI’s aviation division, providing exceptional service to existing and new clients and growing the team into an industry leader.” 

The third Monday of January is dedicated to recognizing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s monumental leadership in the nonviolent movement for civil rights and legal equality for African Americans during the 1960’s.

The 2025 theme of MLK Day, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” is meant to remind us that the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy need to be continuously protected, and they are best nurtured when we come together in unity, guided by love and nonviolence.

Dr. King dedicated his life to speaking out against injustice, inequality, poverty, and war. His work inspires us all to continue striving for a more just world. As a majority African American-owned firm, IEI is deeply committed to honoring Dr. King’s legacy. We do this through the development of essential infrastructure that improves equitable access to opportunity – economic and otherwise and the intentional creation of a business culture that values and celebrates diversity.

As we honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy, let us commit to being active participants in advancing his vision of a just and peaceful world, not just in 2025, but always.

To learn more please visit: thekingcenter.org

IEI Senior Vice President, Paul Ajegba, PE, was a keynote speaker at the 2024 National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT) Virtual Colloquium.

In Paul’s session titled “A Vision Towards Zero Deaths on Our Freeways,” he shared valuable insights developed over his decades-long commitment to improving safety and advancing transportation infrastructure.

The conference brought together industry leaders, researchers, stakeholders, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation and state DOTs to discuss infrastructure innovation and transformative projects.

Learn more and watch Paul’s virtual session here

December 7, 2024, is the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly established International Civil Aviation Day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of civil aviation to international development, and since then, it has been recognized annually on this date. The purpose of this international recognition is to highlight the importance of aviation in fostering social and economic development across the world.

IEI shares ICAO’s vision for the safe, secure and sustainable future of civil aviation. IEI’s team is privileged to contribute to landside and airside projects at IAA, ORD, MDW, LGA, EWR, and ATL.

We’re CONNECTING COMMUNITIES near and far with sustainable solutions to engineering challenges in and around airports.

Learn more about International Civil Aviation Day and ICAO here.

 

IEI received a Texas-sized welcome at the Grand Opening of our office in Houston!

We appreciate everyone who joined us to celebrate the addition of Houston to the list of communities we serve.

Special thanks to the Houston and Texas government leaders who joined the celebration – Harris County Commissioner Precinct One, Rodney Ellis; Houston Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, Martha Castex-Tatum; and U.S. Representative Elect of Texas District 18, Sylvester Turner. We are thrilled to be part of Houston’s vibrant business community and are eager to contribute to the city’s growth with infrastructure solutions that benefit its residents.

At the event, we were excited to highlight the important work with local youth that the U.S. Dream Academy – Houston is doing.

View highlights of the event.

Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli LLP are pleased to announce Michael Sutton, PE, CEO, Infrastructure Engineering Inc as a 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honoree. The Titan 100 program recognizes Chicago’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.  Collectively, the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honorees oversee companies generating more than $70 billion in combined revenues, with an average revenue per company of $100 million and a workforce of over 439,000 employees.

“Chicago’s Titan 100 are redefining business with vision and purpose, setting new standards for growth, innovation, and impact. These trailblazing leaders inspire transformation across industries, uplift communities, and drive meaningful change. We proudly celebrate their legacy of excellence and unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for all,” says Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO.

On October 23rd, IEI marks 26 years of growth in the civil engineering field. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on our journey from two employees in a Chicago office to a team of over 180 professionals across eight offices in seven states. 

The foundation of IEI has always been built on hard work, commitment, and a focus on excellence. The firm was envisioned as a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds could achieve success together, drawing strength from varied perspectives. This diversity continues to contribute to our success and enrich the communities served. 

As IEI marks this anniversary, heartfelt gratitude is extended to employees, clients, and partners whose support has been instrumental. The core values of integrity, excellence, and ingenuity guide us as we work to reimagine the future of infrastructure. 

Looking ahead, the firm remains committed to its mission of connecting communities and recognizes that every project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

So much to celebrate in NYC – the milestone 10th anniversary of our New York office and our new space at 14 Penn Plaza!

We recently gathered for an evening filled with meaningful connections and reflections on a decade of growth and achievements. THANK YOU to our valued clients, partners, and dedicated employees who joined us for the occasion.

We’re eager to continue the great partnerships that have made the first 10 years possible, and we’re excited to support the infrastructure projects that are yet to come in NYC!