Delyla Ovalle-Bowyer

A Houston native, Delyla’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities. With 18 years of experience in the special education field, her journey began as a teacher assistant. This experience continues to ground her in empathy, humility, and a hands-on approach to supporting students and families.
Delyla graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and earned a Master of Arts in Special Education from Sam Houston State University. Early in her career, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, providing direct therapy services to children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in clinic and home settings. These experiences deepened her understanding of individuals with ASD and fueled her passion for creating thriving, inclusive environments.

Her work and advocacy are driven by a personal connection to the communities she serves. Diagnosed with autism at age 40, Delyla brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work—understanding firsthand the importance of creating spaces where individuals can be authentic and unmasked. Delyla’s dedication to advocating for inclusive practices extends beyond direct service work to policy change. She has been actively involved in education policy fellowships such as Latinos for Education, the Texas Education Policy Fellowship Program, and Texas Teach Plus.

As a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher, Delyla also advocates for holistic, mindful approaches to supporting children with disabilities. Her continued advocacy and insights extend to organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children, where she contributes to the 2024-2025 Diversity Leadership Academy.