Support UN spouses in New York

Enhance language and employability skills

Be part of our talented and interesting community

Experience and get insights about New York

NYLESA - a UN-staff spouse and partner community that supports its members to better integrate into life in New York

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to get insights about living in New York

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to gain information and tips about working in the US

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to make friends, socialise and network

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to improve language skills and learn other skills

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to promote your business and build partnerships

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AGM 2022

Watch this 15-minute film to see NYLESA's journey in the last 10 years!

If you missed the 10-year Anniversary event, watch the recording

NEW YORK Insights

Driver's License for G4 Visa Holders

NYLESA members share experience and tips

HOUSING TIPS

Need help choosing the most suitable area to live? Check out insights from our members

Members: have housing tips to contribute, contact us

Our Podcast offers insights from members and experts on taxes, banking, healthcare, education, work permits and more

COVID-19: Info for UN Staff in New York

Member Stories

Harlem

Surely, for those of us moving to New York after years in various postings in Africa and Asia, the first barrier to making the most of our new surroundings is coming to terms with the high apartment rental costs in this city. Finding a tolerable balance between rent...

Sowing the NYLESA seed

Mayank Jain, a founder and the first Chair shared the initiative that turned into the establishment of NYLESA

Upper East Side

I just liked saying Chappaqua.... When I first learned we would be moving to New York in 2016, I imagined settling in this picturesque...

Touring Brooklyn’s Waste Recycling Facility

By NYLESA member Stef Stevens Late January, we joined a tour organized by NYLESA’s own tour-leader to the SIMS waste recycling facility in...

Harlem

Surely, for those of us moving to New York after years in various postings in Africa and Asia, the first barrier to making the most of our new...

Park Slope, Brooklyn

When we arrived in New York City 4 years ago we temporary rented an apartment on Roosevelt Island. We liked the slower pace of the island but...

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Members Connect

Ana Danchevska

Ana is NYLESA Communications Group CoordinatorI was born in Croatia, raised in Macedonia. Arriving to New York at the end of 2019 for my partner’s job, I have been enjoying the life here ever since. I became a member of NYLESA in March 2020 and joined the...

Jooyoung Kim

Jooyoung is NYLESA TreasurerI am from Korea but also studied for my master’s degree in Australia and worked in Japan. I came to New York two years ago when my husband joined UNICEF for his first UN post. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave everything behind, but...

Gift Lwamba

Gift is NYLESA Welcom Group CoordinatorI am a Zambian. I arrived in New York in October 2017 as a spouse to a UNICEF staff. Being a UN spouse and having lived in many duty stations, I am grateful to be part of the SC team because it is a space where I am able to...

Amelia Poveda Irles

Amelia is NYLESA Career Support Group CoordinatorI am from Spain. My background is in communications, international affairs, education and culture management. I love being part of a great team, helping organizations to create meaningful impact and engagement...

Natalia Chernysh

Natalia is NYLESA Co-Chair and is in charge of the Membership Team I am from Russia. I have a Masters in French Language and Literature, and have lived and worked in Saint-Petersburg, and UN’s duty stations in Nairobi and Vienna. I joined NYLESA right upon our...

Olivier Caudron

Olivier Caudron is the host of NYLESA new podcast series Let's Talk about It. He is one of the longest term members of the Association. I am from Belgium and have been in New York for 10 years. My passion together with my skills, experiences, and certifications...

Soraya King

Soraya is NYLESA Chair. She co-hosts the podcast series Let's Talk about It. I am from Zimbabwe. This is our first UN posting - moving to New York straight into the pandemic, NYLESA provided support and focus into the life in this city. NYLESA helped to settle...