Katherine Merck is an entrepreneur, cowgirl, and attorney dedicated to uplifting others with her motto #KindnessMatters. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Gonzaga University School of Law, Katherine is an advocate for the Western industry. Licensed in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, she practices with Falen Law Offices and focuses on laws affecting ranchers, farmers, and landowners. Raised in Spokane, Washington, Katherine chose the Western way of life and proudly calls herself a first-generation cowgirl. After competing in the American Quarter Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association, Katherine became the first Miss Rodeo America from Washington State.

Future for women: “My vision for women in the Western industry is to build on the legacy of those that came before us, women like Sandra Day O’Connor, Bonnie McCarroll, Sharon Camarillo, and Pam Minick. These women never let society dictate the constraints of their capabilities and achieved so much for women in our industry, proving that women in the Western industry really can do anything.”

@katherine.merck

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.