Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 24, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 19 CONGRATULATIONS Passionate, smart, determined, and kind . . . together those special qualities are making a profound impact on your family, our community, and the Coghlin Companies culture. We are so proud and excited to celebrate YOU! SARAH FOLEY Katelyn Duncan, 36 New Americans librarian, Worcester Public Library, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Colleges: Georgetown University; Simmons University; Yonsei University Katelyn Duncan has turned the Worcester Public Library into a gateway to opportunity for immigrants and English learners. Duncan created the library's ESOL Navigator service, connecting people with English classes across Central Massachusetts, and its monthly immigration clinic, which has helped more than 1,000 people access free legal assistance since 2023. In fiscal 2025, programs she coordinated drew more than 4,500 attendees, while Duncan and the ESOL Navigator provided one-on-one assistance to more than 600 people. Before becoming New Americans librarian, Duncan spent six years as a reference librarian and successfully advocated for creating a dedicated position serving new Americans and English language learners. Her work earned national recognition in 2026, when Library Journal named her a Mover & Shaker in its Change Agents category. She became a peer auditor with Welcoming America, helping evaluate communities seeking Certified Welcoming status. What is your favorite Central Mass. community? Worcester. I have a "Say Nice Things About Worcester" sticker on my book cart for a reason. Who helped you the most in your professional journey? WPL Executive Director Jason Homer, who has been a tremendous advocate for my work What one thing should older generations understand most about young professionals? We don't know how to do everything with technology; we know how to look it up and aren't afraid to try! 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Emma Duprey, 27 Director of nursing, Thrive Support & Advocacy, in Worcester and Marlborough Residence: Worcester College: Becker College Emma Duprey is reshaping healthcare delivery for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by bringing more medical care directly to them. As director of nursing at Thrive Support & Advocacy, Duprey oversees clinical care for approximately 50 residents with complex medical and behavioral needs across Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Marlborough. She supervises nurses while coordinating with families, physicians, hospitals, and state partners. Duprey implemented an initiative expanding access to timely, in-home medical care that reduced emergency department transfers by 88%. She has strengthened preventive care and clinical communication while training staff to identify changes in residents' health. Before joining Thrive, Duprey was a Worcester Public Schools nurse, helping students and families overcome barriers to health care. Her community work continues through Thrive's Family Support Program and Flourish at Thrive Food Pantry. She mentors high school students interested in nursing and serves on the Marlborough Hospital Community Benefits Advisory Council. What one life lesson do you most want to pass onto the next generation? Never underestimate yourself because of your age. Say yes to opportunities, take the leap, and trust yourself. What song has the best life advice? "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac What one thing should older generations understand most about young professionals? Age does not determine ability. Young professionals can lead, innovate, and create meaningful change when given the opportunity and trust. W W

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