Launia Terry

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April 27 Lorem

Launia Terry

VP of HR – Munitions & Government and Corporate Talent Acquisition, DZConneX/Yoh, Day & Zimmerman

2023 DE&I Influencer – She/Her

During her nearly seven years with Day & Zimmerman, Launia Terry has made it her mission to push forward DE&I initiatives for the organization. Currently serving as vice president, HR – munitions and government and corporate talent acquisition for DZConneX, Terry works closely with each Day & Zimmerman business unit to help them with their DE&I efforts.

Terry is also a board member on the Day & Zimmerman Executive Diversity and Inclusion Board, and she partners with its internal employee resource group to ensure continued inclusivity for employees.

While Terry has her hands in a lot of DE&I initiatives, she is particularly passionate about inclusivity for veterans, having served in the United States Air Force for 23 years. As a Black woman and a veteran, Terry understands the importance of the DE&I movement and ensuring that people feel like they belong. “They [Day & Zimmerman] see me for who I am,” she says,
“and the experiences and background that I have really enable me to relate to people in different circles.”

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"… the experiences and background that I have really enable me to relate to people in different circles."

In partnership with the head of DE&I, Terry developed a diversity recruiting strategy focused on the hiring of women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, people of color, generational talent and veterans. Because of her work to create an inclusive culture, the organization’s diversity has increased by 27%.

For other companies trying to help push the DE&I cause forward, Terry says to use the data. “Really look at the data around your demographic makeup and then work with leadership to develop a DE&I strategy.” She adds that it’s important to not just have DE&I be a part of an HR initiative but for it to be an actual part of a company’s culture.

As she continues her work, Terry plans on ensuring that DZConneX stays focused on DE&I as the organization grows. She will also continue working with leadership to ensure that they are bringing in the right talent, regardless of who they are.

2023 DE&I Influencers List