Simona Capatina

School: Appalachian State University

Major: Political Science/Pre-Law

Simona Capatina serves as the Western District Councilor for the North Carolina Student Legislature. In this role, she works to support and connect delegations across the Western region while promoting engagement, leadership development, and collaboration among student legislators.

Born in Moldova, a small Eastern European country, Simona’s first language is Romanian. She immigrated to the United States in 2009, and her family settled in Asheville, North Carolina. Simona has extensive work experience, having spent five years at Chick-fil-A, nearly three years with Vineyard Vines, and working as a barista at a local coffee shop in Boone, North Carolina, Blue Deer. She has volunteered with Buncombe County Teen Court during high school, her local church and children’s ministry, and other community service initiatives.

At Appalachian State University, Simona is actively involved in several campus organizations and has held multiple leadership roles. Most notably, she is the Founder and Delegate Chairperson of the North Carolina Student Legislature chapter at Appalachian State University, where she focuses on building student engagement and fostering meaningful legislative experiences.

Fun fact: Simona is the youngest of eight children.

Quote about NCSL:

“NCSL has given me the opportunity to practice my public speaking skills, deepen my understanding of how the legislative branch operates, and grow as a writer, speaker, and leader. Through NCSL, I have learned how to apply my studies in meaningful ways and work toward real change.”