The RNHA-NC is an alliance of Latinos from all over North Carolina dedicated to fighting for God, Family, and Country.
OUR STATE LEADERSHIP
CHAIRWOMAN
SANDY MOYER
Sandy was born in the United States but spent her formative years in the Dominican Republic. While living abroad, she developed a deep appreciation for the people and culture of the island. Upon returning to the U.S, she pursued higher education and met her husband. They have been married for over 20 years and are the proud parents of three children, two of whom she homeschooled for more than a decade.
Sandy holds an associate’s degree in ministry from Northeast Baptist College and a bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership from Capella University. Her experience includes mentoring, counseling, and teaching in various settings. At the Carolina Pregnancy Center, she served as a counselor and advocate, translating essential documents and improving access for Spanish-speaking clients. She served as Executive Director of CTB, a school-based mentorship. She currently serves on the advisory board of Oak Christian Academy (OCA).
In 2022, she ran for a position on the local school board. From 2021 through June 2024, she served as Secretary of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of North Carolina (RNHA-NC) and assumed the role of Interim Chair in mid-2024. She currently serves as Chairwoman of RNHA-NC, under her leadership, the organization has expanded from two to seven county chapters and increased overall membership by 58%. The North Carolina chapter now ranks second in the nation in total membership. In addition, she is a member of the executive board of her local GOP
VICE CHAIRMAN
JUAN PLEITEZ
Juan is a graduate at William Peace University and is honored to have been elected as Vice-Chairman of the RNHA-NC. In High School, Juan focused heavily on charity work and developed a passion for serving his community. Looking for new ways to actively serve and give back to his hometown of Lenoir, Juan started volunteering for his local GOP. This started a journey that has given Juan the opportunity to serve various capacities in campaigns. He has
served in offices such as Congressman Patrick McHenry, Office of the North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, and the North Carolina House of Representatives where he currently serves as a Junior Staffer. Throughout his term, he hopes to use his experience to make the RNHA-NC a vibrant and active organization that has the potential to make an impact on the Latino community across the great State of North Carolina.
SECRETARY
MARIA ELENA CONAWAY
Maria Elena immigrated from Nicaragua at 17 to attend Sacred Heart College, where she earned a B.S. in Biology. She later obtained a B.A. in Chemistry and Medical Technology and an MBA from UNC Charlotte. She is a licensed real estate agent in NC and SC, affiliated with Helen Adams Realty. A dedicated Republican since 2007, Maria Elena has volunteered for campaigns including Mitt Romney, Pat McCrory, and Donald Trump. She chairs the Mecklenburg County RNHA, is active in several Republican women’s clubs, and serves on multiple political committees. She has been a delegate at local and state levels, a replacement alternate at the 2020 RNC, and currently serves as Vice Chair of District 12. As an Assistant Precinct Chair in County District 5, she campaigned for Tariq Bokhari. Having experienced socialism firsthand, she is committed to ensuring it never takes hold in the U.S. and remains dedicated to defending Republican values.
LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
DEMI DOWDY
Demi Dowdy, a first generation Cuban-American, is the Deputy Chief of Staff of Communications for current Speaker of the House Destin Hall, she also served as Communications Director for NC Speaker of the House Tim Moore. Before joining the Speaker’s office, she worked on Capitol Hill and in Raleigh as a policy and communications consultant for various non-profits and public officials
TREASURER | NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN
EDUARDO ANDRADE
Eduardo, originally from Panama, migrated to the US at the age of 2, settling in Gaston County, North Carolina. Growing up, he thrived academically and athletically, securing a full scholarship for cross country and track & field at St. Andrews University. Graduating with honors in History and Political Science, he took on roles in politics, notably with the 2020 Trump Victory campaign and later as campaign manager for Congressman Patrick McHenry.
Simultaneously, Eduardo pursued higher education, earning a master’s in Public Administration and Policy from American University. Alongside his political career, he played a key role in his family’s holiday eggnog business.
His leadership aims to solidify RNHA-NC’s position as a robust organization for years to come. Additionally, Eduardo serves on the national committee for the RNHA, furthering his commitment to Hispanic representation in politics.
YOUTH OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Sebastian Astorga
Sebastian is a proud Venezuelan-American who immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of three. He has lived in both Colorado and North Carolina. He is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he is pursuing a triple major in History, Political Science, and Classical Studies.
Rooted in both Hispanic heritage and family values, Sebastian serves as the President of the UNCG College Republicans. He also actively assists other conservative and debate organizations, helping to strengthen the voice of the youth conservatives in higher education. Sebastian is passionate about connecting college students and young professionals with the broader Hispanic community, with a focus on increasing political awareness, fostering cultural pride, and promoting grassroots involvement.
Through his work and studies, he remains committed to preserving American values, promoting opportunity, and uplifting the voices of Hispanics across North Carolina. In his free time, Sebastian enjoys reading, cycling, and cooking.
MEDIA DIRECTOR
EMMANUEL RUIZ
Emmanuel is a first-generation Southerner born to political asylees from Colombia. His entry into politics began at age 14 as a volunteer for Nick Freitas’s 2018 Senate Campaign in Virginia. It was this experience that began his love for public service and politics. Since then, Emmanuel has aided in the Odham for Mayor campaign as the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, a Field Organizer for the North Carolina Republican Party, and had the great privilege of working for the Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign in 2022. He brings this passion to the RNHA-NC. He brings this energy towards Hispanic youth into the RNHA with a focus on strong policy positions and a digital-first strategy. Manny also currently serves as National Director of Communications for RNHA National.
