Her Story
About Lavonie
Lavonie Irby is the Assistant Director of Human Resources for the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, a position she has held since 2007. In this capacity, she oversees HR policy development, post-cycle recruitment, and employee classifications, while also advising leadership on labor union matters, disciplinary actions, benefits administration, and departmental budgeting. Her career with the state began in a clerical support role at the Department of Children and Families, where her strong work ethic earned her a promotion to administrative assistant. With encouragement from a supervisor to continue her education, she returned to school part-time and steadily advanced through a series of human resources positions — from generalist to specialist to consultant — before ultimately stepping into her current leadership role.
Irby holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership, achievements made all the more meaningful as she is the first in her family to earn a college degree. She often points to becoming a mother at nineteen as the turning point that fueled her drive for education and professional growth, wanting to build a better future for her son than the one her own upbringing offered. Her dedication has been recognized through several honors, including the Woman of Integrity Award from Black People Rock and a Leadership Award from the UConn Health Center. She remains professionally engaged as a member of the State of Connecticut Managerial Advisory Council and the National Association of Attorney General.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Irby is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society, and dedicates her time to mentoring roughly nine to ten young mothers at no cost, helping them develop the life and career skills needed to succeed — a reflection of the mentorship she herself received earlier in her career. Guided by a strong belief in integrity, honesty, and trust, Irby continues to bring a values-driven approach to her work in human resources, while looking ahead to further education, including the possibility of law school, to deepen her expertise in labor and contract matters.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lavonie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and a continuous commitment to learning. More than anything, I credit my son, who became my greatest motivation. I came from a family where education wasn't emphasized — once you finished high school, you simply went to work — but becoming a mother at nineteen pushed me to pursue higher education and better opportunities so I could give him a life beyond what my parents were able to give me. I'm proud to be the first in my family to earn a college degree.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to always be consistent and to go above and beyond what's asked of you. That mindset has carried me a long way in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd advise young women to find someone who is already doing the work they aspire to do and shadow them to learn the ropes. Stay a lifelong learner, remain teachable, and once you've gained that knowledge, pass it along to others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced is navigating contract negotiations with the union. It was difficult not always having immediate answers for employees regarding their benefits, and I was driven to find solutions and communicate clearly through that process.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is my top priority, along with honesty and trust. These values guide how I approach both my professional relationships and my personal life.
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