G&W Electric is proud to announce Samantha Leonard as the 2026 recipient of the Ellen Barag Women in Engineering Scholarship.
Established in honor of Ellen Barag, who served as a Regional Vice President at G&W Electric for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2020, the scholarship celebrates her lasting contributions to the engineering profession and her dedication to mentorship and excellence. Through this scholarship, G&W Electric is proud to support the next generation of women pursuing careers in engineering.
Administered by the Electrical Association of Philadelphia’s Educational Foundation, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a strong interest in pursuing an engineering education. This fall, Samantha will begin her engineering studies at Pennsylvania State University.
As part of the application process, scholarship candidates submitted an essay reflecting on Thomas Edison’s quote, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” In her winning essay, Samantha shared how overcoming challenges throughout high school taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of discovering the learning methods that work best for her.
When I walk across that stage, I will know I found 10,000 ways that don’t help me learn, but that I cultivated one way that works for me.
Samantha Leonard
Ellen Barag Women in Engineering Scholarship recipient
Samantha’s thoughtful reflection, combined with her academic accomplishments and commitment to her future in engineering, embodies the spirit of the Ellen Barag Women in Engineering Scholarship. Through this scholarship, G&W Electric is proud to invest in the next generation of engineers and continue Ellen Barag’s legacy of mentorship and excellence.
