Originally from Brisbane, Eileen Coloretti came to New York after she won the Green Card lottery and has fostered an exciting career traveling the globe as a Tour Director and Tour Guide.
What did you do in Australia and why did you move to NYC?
I was in business, marketing, and events until 2012, and then I became Tour Guide/Tour Director. I won the United States’ Diversity Visa Program (more commonly known as the Green Card lottery) which has allowed me to work for myself and be open to amazing opportunities. When I was getting ready to move and had the opportunity to move wherever I wanted I thought, “Why not NYC!?” Little did I know how many opportunities would come from that decision.
How has being in NYC changed or developed your career?
I watched my career disappear with a phone call in 2020 due to COVID-19, but it’s now flourishing again after the pandemic.
What’s your biggest achievement since living in NYC?
How much my career has grown and where I’ve been able to travel to. I also love teaching Americans about their own country! I’ve ticked off 35 US states and have been to Canada (which I love) multiple times. I’ve also traveled to the UK and Ireland which were on my bucket list. I’ve ticked so many things off my bucket list that I need a new one!
What advice do you have for professionals who want to relocate to NYC?
I got entry level retail roles to fill the gaps in my schedule. This helped me grow as a person, understand the culture, and deal with people from a variety of backgrounds which also helped with my Tour Guide career. It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of complaining about how much is different and that you hate this and that. This is something I’ve really worked hard to overcome and it’s made the homesickness easier to deal with. You make a choice to move here, there was a reason for it, so embrace it and celebrate it by immersing yourself in the culture including the good, bad and ugly.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about living/working in NYC?
Network and network. I’ve met some of my best friends from networking opportunities.
What were your first impressions of NYC, and how has that changed since you lived here?
I love the difference in every neighborhood, the diversity, and the opportunity to explore and find somewhere new. I love getting lost and finding hidden gems.
What neighborhood do you live in? Why did you choose it, and why do you like living there?
I live on Roosevelt Island. I like the city views and water location. It’s a quiet and peaceful neighborhood.
What’s the biggest challenge or roadblock you’ve faced since being in NYC, and how do/did you overcome it?
Finding accommodation is difficult. I had an awful experience with it, and it took close to four months to find somewhere that worked for me. Craigs List for the win. I love living on Roosevelt Island and haven’t moved since 2018. Also, the health system … no other words.
What do you miss most about Aus, and how you do quell any homesickness?
Apart from missing family and friends, I really miss the food. Being gluten-free, I miss the freshness and taste of Australian food. I also miss the open spaces and driving everywhere. When I’m homesick, my Aussie friends and the AWNY and America Josh events are great opportunities to connect with others and get a hit of home.
Have you kept connections with Aussies in NYC? If so, what does that community of Aussies mean to you (being so far from home)?
Community is so important. Organizations like AWNY and America Josh have helped me survive – even though, at times I’ve just been watching from the sidelines. They’ve all helped me grow.
What is the biggest difference between home and NYC that comes up in discussion?
The food and the lack of things that can kill you like they can in Australia.
Favorite NYC brunch/cocktail spot?
Due to my busy schedule, I don’t have dedicated spots, but Wild in the Village is great. I also like Panorama Room on Roosevelt Island.
What are your top 3 tips for friends visiting NYC?
Always hire a tour guide on the first day. They’ll save you time by helping you navigate the subway and crowds and advise on which attractions are worth it. I did it the first time I was here in 2010, and again in 2018 when I moved to learn about the subway and those hidden neighborhoods that no one thinks to explore. Use the subway because it saves you time and money. Get out of the heavily trafficked tourist areas, and explore Brooklyn Heights, the South Street Seaport, and of course, Roosevelt Island for some of the best views of NYC
Who are some Aussie ladies doing awesome things in NYC currently on your radar?
Ro Dempsey and Nicole Brettle are doing great things here.
What is the best way for AWNY members to contact or communicate with you?
You can reach me via Instagram @girlyforties and LinkedIn.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 
As someone who lived on Roosevelt Island for >15 years, I can attest that it is a great place to live. It is, however, part of Manhattan, not Queens.