There are times of shared tragedy throughout American history that we will never forget. September 11th, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2008 stock market crash—each a national crisis, each a personal reckoning. For Katriena Devlin, the financial collapse of ’08 marked the beginning of a seismic shift, not just in the economy but in every aspect of her and her family’s lives.
Before the crash, Katriena was no stranger to high stakes. As a top producer at Multex.com, Inc.—now part of Reuters—she thrived in the fast-paced world of finance, providing institutional clients with centralized access to research reports, earnings estimates, and investment analysis. She navigated the chaos and competition with sharp instincts and an unshakable work ethic. But when she became a mother, Katriena made the intentional choice to step away from the sales floor to raise her four young sons, while her husband continued working in finance. It was a demanding yet stable season of life—until, quite suddenly, everything changed.
The crash hit hard and fast. The family’s financial safety net unraveled almost overnight, and the home they had built was foreclosed. With no income and nowhere to turn, they packed what they could into a Suburban and moved in with Katriena’s parents in Vermont. It was a humbling, disorienting return to square one.
Desperation doesn’t always look like a dramatic fall—it often shows up in small, quiet moments. For Katriena, it was the day she gave up her wedding ring to help cover rent. An object that symbolized permanence and love became collateral in a season of survival. Determined to regain footing, Katriena took whatever work she could find—folding clothes at J.Crew, cleaning houses—while navigating life with four kids and limited resources.
After a move to Massachusetts, Katriena knew she needed to go back to work. Through a friend, Katriena was introduced to The N2 Company—something entirely different from the world of Wall Street, yet equally compelling in its potential. It offered not just an opportunity, but a platform: one where she could leverage her skills, support her family, and make a lasting impact on the local business community. She dove in with curiosity and commitment, learning quickly and leaning on the same grit that once made her a top producer.
Today, Katriena runs Stroll Pine Hills and BeLocal South Shore—two thriving publications that connect neighbors, highlight small businesses, and foster authentic relationships. What began as a practical step forward evolved into a meaningful new mission. Hers is not just a comeback story—it’s a reinvention. One grounded in optimism, grit and proof that success can take on a whole new shape when you have the courage to start over.
