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.

Kristen Ylana, Joint Chief of Staff & Executive Director of the Texas Women’s Health Caucus

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 three dogs (Professor, Pantera, and Willie), watching the Great British Bake Off, cooking, and working in her garden.

Contact Kristen: kristen.ylana@house.texas.gov

Eugenie Schieve, Legislative Director

Eugenie Schieve was born and raised in Austin. She attended Baylor University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Wanting to dive deeper into policy, Eugenie returned to Austin to earn her Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas. She began as a Senate intern during the 86th Legislative Session and discovered a passion for Texas policy-making. Shortly after, she made the transition to the Texas House and served as a legislative director and the inaugural director of the Texas House Caucus on Climate, Environment, and the Energy Industry.

As a member of Representative Howard’s team, Eugenie is excited to continue her love for policy and serve the constituents of House District 48. When she isn’t working, Eugenie enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Contact Eugenie: eugenie.schieve@house.texas.gov

Henry Davis, Policy Analyst