Meet Team Howard
Donna Howard
For the past 17 years, Rep. Donna Howard has been advancing policies that improve the lives of Texans and her constituents. Now one of the more senior House members, Donna is a leader on women’s health policy, nursing, and accountable government. In the 86th and 87th Legislative Sessions, Texas Monthly named her one of their “Best Legislators.” In the 88th Legislative Session, Representative Howard was able to pass the Tax F.R.E.E. Act, which eliminates the sales tax for menstrual produts, diapers, wipes, and other essential family products.
A native of Austin, Donna earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master’s degree in health education from the University of Texas. She worked as a critical care nurse at Brackenridge and Seton hospitals and served as Austin’s first hospital-based Patient Education Coordinator. Donna is a past president of the Texas Nurses Association (District 5) and was a health education instructor at UT.
Among the most diligent House members, over the years Donna has been called upon to serve on several ad hoc committees in addition to her standing committee duties. Currently, she serves on the House Committees for Appropriations (and the Strategic Fiscal Review subcommittee), Higher Education, and the Sustainable Property Tax Relief select study committee. Donna is also the Chairwoman of the Texas Women’s Health Caucus. As a member of the House Democratic Caucus, she serves on the Special Committee on Education.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Donna has earned a reputation across the political spectrum for her respectful, but passionate, articulation of her values. She has been referred to as the "conscience of the House" and “radically reasonable.” This is why she has been able to impact the issues Texans care about by partnering with Republicans and finding common ground on typically divisive subjects.
Click through the site to learn more about what Donna has done.
Rep. Donna Howard on the issues. 2020 campaign ad.
Samantha Cupero Chief of Staff
Born and raised in San Juan, Texas, Samantha is a bilingual Rio Grande Valley native and a Texas A&M University former student, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Samantha overachieved, graduating in only three years. Following her graduation, Samantha returned to the Rio Grande Valley to give back to her community. Samantha served as an elementary school librarian for nearly two years at Vanguard Academy Mozart Elementary.
Samantha tearfully left her students in January of 2019 to cast a broader net and help as many Texans as possible. She began her journey of public service in the Texas Legislature during the 86th Legislative Session. She is excited to be a part of Representative Howard's team and serve the constituents of central Texas.
Contact Samantha: samantha.cupero@house.texas.gov
Kristen Ylana
Chief of Staff & Executive Director of the TWHC
Kristen Ylana was born in San Antonio but spent her childhood in the heart of the Hill Country. Growing up in rural Texas taught her to appreciate the “little things” in life, find beauty in nature, and nurtured her sense of adventure. She moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Public Relations and Mexican American Policy Studies with a focus on the intersection of race and health policy. Kristen fell in love with Texas politics and policy-making during the 83rd Legislative Session. Following her passions, she left the Capitol to work at the Health and Human Services Commission within the Women’s Health and Education Services Division.
Kristen hopes to continue to dedicate her life to public service and do her part to create a more equitable and just future for all Texans. When she is not working, Kristen enjoys spending time with her dog, cooking, and working in her garden.
Contact Kristen: kristen.ylana@house.texas.gov
Henry Davis, Legislative Director
Henry Davis was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Growing up both of his parents worked at the Capitol, which fostered a lifelong interest in government and public service. After graduating from the University of Denver with a Bachelor in International Relations and a minor in leadership, Henry moved back home to gain some hands-on experience in public policy. Serving as an aide in the House of Representatives in the 88th Legislative Session, he became fascinated by the inner workings of the Capitol and the nuances of crafting effective policy. Wanting to continue gaining legislative experience and serving his community, Henry is thrilled to be a part of Team Howard. When he isn’t working, Henry loves to eat tacos and hike in the Greenbelt.
Contact Henry: henry.davis@house.texas.gov
Eva DeLuna Castro, Senior Budget Analyst & Policy Advisor
Eva was born in her midwife-grandmother's home in Coahuila, Mexico and first lived in Texas when she was five months old. Raised mostly in Rockford, Illinois, she graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's in History and Literature; spent two years in Washington, D.C. as a fellow and employee of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; then moved to Austin to pursue a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas. Her first state job was House legislative aide in the 1991 sessions, followed by an analyst position with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. What she learned about the state budget, state and local taxes, federal aid, and the Texas economy served as a solid foundation for her next 24 years with the nonprofit Center for Public Policy Priorities, now Every Texan. In January 2023, Eva returned to work for the Texas House of Representatives and joined Team Howard in July 2024.
Contact Eva: eva.delunacastro@house.texas.gov