I'm so excited and proud to introduce Julie, our new Captain of Events at America Josh! She's already started driving new events in New York and this is going to mean we can grow the community with more niche adventures both in New York and further afield.
In a very exciting step for America Josh as a company, this is the first step in growing as a team, and expanding the number of people we can reach and help who are moving to the US.
Julie will be a familiar face to those of you who have come to Coffee in the East Village and Central Park, and a lot of the events happening around the city. She has dived right into her new role, already arranging an upcoming drinks evening, as well as working with me to put together a very exciting event on August 19 in NYC.
She's already brought so much value and insight to the community and just like many of you has been going through the new-arrival process herself with an E3 visa and is now discovering the trials of social security and credit!
If you have an idea for an event, or want to connect with Julie, you can email her here! Find Julie on LinkedIn here.
What brought you to America in the first place?
I've always thought about living in another city, I just never thought I would actually do it! The COVID lockdowns, the endless working home grind and my empty nesting syndrome ultimately made the decision a little easier, and probably sooner, than expected.
I choose NYC because it just seemed like an easy and fun place – so far so good!
Where was home before New York?
Home before NYC was the beautiful little seaside town of Williamstown, Victoria. Only 13 km from the CBD, it's known to be the country town in the big city.
Complete opposite to NYC but that's the whole point of making a change right?
Why have you joined America Josh?
I joined the America Josh community on Facebook before I arrived. I was a little worried about my decision to come to NYC alone with no real plans so I started googling, and I’m so glad I did. I must admit as someone that had never lived anywhere outside Victoria, all the visa talk in the feeds totally baffled me and I did not know if I would ‘fit’ in.
Putting that aside I still decided to go to my first Friday morning coffee the day after I arrived.
Totally jet-lagged I was excited, and a little nervous, but it remains hands down the best decision and I have made some amazing life long friends.
What's your favorite area in NYC?
I’m not sure I have a true favourite area of NYC yet, I’m still exploring, but I do love the walkability and diversity in the Gramercy/Nomad area and there's never a challenge finding a bar to watch sport or something tasty to eat.
What's your mission working with the America Josh community?
The concept of being part of a community in a foreign country is super comforting to me. My mission working with America Josh is to continue to build on the fabulous work that Josh has led with his many partners and friends. I can’t wait to meet and understand the diverse needs of the wider community that makes up the Aussies in New York. My hope is to be able to make people feel welcome and comfortable regardless of how long they are staying or how long they have been here.
How can people connect with you?
People can connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
