The America Josh Advisory Group (AJAG) is an unpaid volunteer group that has been established to ensure the mission of America Josh is achieved through diverse representation and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. Members have been specially selected based on their engagement with the community and their willingness to contribute.
AJAG provides advice on events, community engagement, and other issues rising from the operations of America Josh. Members provide feedback, insights, and bring ideas to meetings about America Josh events and their experience moving from overseas.
About America Josh
America Josh is an online guide, event organizer, and community network helping individuals from all over the world move to, and thrive in, the United States.
The mission is to make the transition to the United States easier and less stressful, increase personal happiness, lessen the impact on those around the mover, and improve connection with the community. This ultimately leads to higher quality moves and longer stays.
Josh Pugh
Chair AJAG
Founder & CEO — America Josh
Julie Brock
Secretary AJAG
Head of Events — America Josh
Meet Pat Bernardi
Hi, I'm Pat. I'm a Canberran who moved to New York in 2017 as a happy outcome of landing a job relevant to my Software Engineering PhD. While the concert jungle starkly contrasts with the rolling bushland of home, adapting to the unique American and New York life presented a more exciting challenge. Being part of the America Josh community since 2021 has allowed me to help newcomers navigate this amazingly crazy city and build fantastic connections that bring a tiny bit of Australia to New York.
Meet Russ Macumber
G'day – I'm Russ. I am a marketing agency founder based in Austin, Texas with my wife and our 4x kids. We've been in the US since 2021, having arrived here at the backend of covid. We love it here, and have been lucky to land in a very family friendly, connected and supportive community. I'm involved with America Josh as I love helping other Aussies get through those first few tough months on the ground here, and also to stay connected to a little piece of home with other Austin-based Aussies.
Meet Lynda Murray
Hi, I'm Lynda! Originally from Perth, WA, I spent my childhood surrounded by the ocean and the lush jungles of South-East Asia. Fast forward to 2012, I found myself in a different kind of jungle—New York City, where I've been exploring the vibrant, bustling streets for the past 12 years.
Attending America Josh's events helped fill a gap in my life here, bringing a little piece of ‘home' to the Big Apple. The sense of community and connection was something I cherished, so when the opportunity came to join[volunteer for] the America Josh Family, I didn't hesitate. The thought of providing that same feeling to someone else was all the motivation I needed.
Meet Anthony Vo
Meet Toni Wendtmann
Hi I'm Toni from the Gold Coast and moved to NY in 2016. You are probably wondering how do you survive the winters being from the Goldy but I actually don't mind the winters here. You have to get out and explore the city even if it is freezing or snowing, there is always something happening. Just after COVID I went to the Aussie BBQ at Prospect Park and there found out more about America Josh as well as the Australian Women in New York (AWNY). After my first event with AWNY I decided I wanted to get a little more involved so I joined the Events team. Now I am Co-President of AWNY and Co-Lead for the Events team. We team up with America Josh as well to help promote our Women Only Events or any events that maybe Women and Men inclusive. America Josh and AWNY keeps us all connected to other Aussies and it is great to share our learnings as well.
