In 2026, WBENC proudly continues its tradition of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Selected by their Regional Partner Organizations, the 14 WBE Stars exemplify this year’s theme of IMPACT, demonstrating meaningful influence across their businesses, communities, and industries through leadership, excellence, and service.
Throughout the year, the 2026 WBE Stars will be featured on the WBENC website, culminating in their celebration at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, June 15–18, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where thousands will gather to do business and honor the strength and impact of the WBENC Network.
Meet Glenda S. Thomas, President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions, LLC, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South Regional Partner Organization. Glenda is a trailblazing leader in the energy sector, recognized for breaking barriers and advancing innovative solutions. As the esteemed President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions and Electra Lines, Glenda brings over two decades of indispensable experience from her tenure leading supplier diversity and sustainability programs at Southern Company, one of the Southeast’s largest utility firms. Glenda holds a BS in Accounting from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Science in Project Management from George Washington University.
Today, Glenda leads with deep expertise in strategic planning, contract negotiations, and program management, guiding her organization to deliver forward-thinking energy solutions with lasting impact. She is equally known for her servant leadership, leading with the highest standards of integrity and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. Glenda dedicates her time to inspiring individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. At the core of her leadership is a steadfast belief in the value of people—empowering individuals, investing in growth, and creating opportunities that elevate both businesses and communities.
Get inspired by Glenda’s insights!
Electra Grid Solutions (EGS) is an electrical utility infrastructure contractor focused on providing sustainable, high-quality solutions to support the U.S. power delivery market. EGS has emerged as a premier utility contractor, expanding its footprint across 16 states throughout the U.S., providing day-to-day work to investor-owned utilities and electric power boards. True to the EGS mantra, “Keeping People Connected,” the Electra Grid Solutions team provides emergency storm services across the US. While primary operations are based in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee, the company’s reach extends far and wide, a testament to its dedication to excellence and client satisfaction. EGS has ventured into the dynamic realm of clean transportation, spearheading innovative EV services. In the coming year, EGS will expand its newly formed subsidiary, Electra Lines.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Glenda S Thomas
How do you define “IMPACT” in your own words?
IMPACT means creating intentional moments to partner with others and help them grow successfully. I have been a longstanding advocate for local, small, and diverse companies—supporting them as they learn, scale, and fully step into their purpose. I am committed to listening, understanding needs, and connecting people in meaningful ways. We cannot build anything truly sustainable without partnering with others for shared success.
What suggestions would you like to share with business leaders looking to expand their “IMPACT”?
Expanding IMPACT requires intentional leadership, disciplined execution, and a genuine commitment to shared success. When leaders align purpose with performance, IMPACT grows organically for long term success.
Business leaders expand their IMPACT when they define what IMPACT truly means operationally and embed it directly into their business strategy, not treat it as a separate initiative. Real IMPACT is not built through transactions. It is built through intentional, long-term partnerships grounded in trust, shared accountability, and continuous capability development.
Leaders have a responsibility to use their influence with purpose advocating for others, creating access that leads to real opportunity, and sharing knowledge in a way that enables partners to grow and sustain success independently. IMPACT must also be measurable. Contracts awarded, jobs created, and businesses scaled are the markers that transform good intentions into credible, sustainable outcomes.
When leaders listen, follow through, and align purpose with performance, IMPACT doesn’t have to be forced; it expands naturally and strengthens the entire business ecosystem.
What impact are you most proud of, and why?
The impact I am most proud of is my continued advocacy for local, small, and diverse businesses and my commitment to being an active, engaged member of the WBENC network and WBEC South. Through these platforms, I have consistently worked to create access, build credibility, and help businesses move from opportunity to execution. I am also proud to have successfully created and grown two powerline infrastructure companies, witnessing firsthand how disciplined leadership, safety, and partnership drive real, sustainable growth in a highly regulated industry. In addition, I am deeply proud of my commitment to philanthropy across the United States, using my resources, influence, and experience to support entrepreneurship, education, and community development. Together, these efforts reflect a legacy focused on building companies, empowering people, and creating lasting impact beyond any single project or market.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated and inspired as a leader?
I stay motivated and inspired by being intentional about continuous learning and staying closely connected to my industry. I regularly participate in masterclasses, attend conferences and seminars, and engage in peer conversations with both competitors and role models to exchange insights and stay forward-thinking. I read extensively with a strong focus on leadership and strategy, which helps sharpen my perspective and decision-making. This combination of learning, dialogue, and reflection keeps me grounded, challenged, and inspired to lead with clarity, adaptability, and purpose.
Looking ahead, what legacy of impact do you hope to leave in the business community?
Looking ahead, the legacy of impact I intend to leave in the business community is one defined by building opportunity at scale across businesses, communities, and the workforce that powers our industry.
I am committed to building and investing in companies that create real access where emerging businesses are not only given opportunities, but equipped with the structure, strategy, and partnerships required to grow, compete, and sustain success. This work is rooted in long-term collaboration with organizations like the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, college collectives, and community-based partners who are already doing the work on the ground.
Equally important is my commitment to the workforce pipeline. I believe the future of our industry depends on how intentionally we develop it. That means investing in linemen and electrical trade schools, engaging local high schools across our service footprint, and partnering with organizations like the Women’s Fund to ensure access, exposure, and opportunity reach every level.
At the center of this vision is the creation of an Energy Career Center, a hands-on, industry-aligned hub designed to guide individuals at every stage of their journey. From early exposure and career exploration to technical training, certifications, and direct job placement, this center will serve as a bridge between education and execution ensuring people don’t just learn about the industry, but step directly into it with confidence and purpose.
This legacy is also institutional. I plan to establish enduring endowments with organizations such as WBENC, AABE, and Alabama A&M University to fuel entrepreneurship, advance education, and create long-term economic mobility. These investments are about building pipelines that will outlast me developing talent, strengthening businesses, and driving generational impact.
I also see a future where I serve as a high-impact business coach and strategic advisor sharing real-world experience, lessons learned, and practical frameworks that help leaders navigate growth, overcome challenges, and build resilient, high-performing companies.
Ultimately, my legacy will not be defined by what I build alone, but by what I help others build.
If my work results in more successful businesses, stronger leaders, and a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and prepared to meet the demands of a changing energy landscape; then I will have done exactly what I set out to do.
That is the impact I intend to leave.
