YWCA Helena has named attorney Katie Verderber of Silverman Law Office as the 2026 Woman of the Year, recognizing her leadership, resilience, and commitment to her community.
The honor was announced April 15 at the YWCA’s “Empowered” event at The Myrna Loy in Helena. The award recognizes women who demonstrate a commitment to the Greater Helena region, lead with compassion, and work to remove barriers for others.
Verderber was raised in Valier, Montana, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, where she provided legal counsel to military commanders in support of overseas operations.
While deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, Verderber sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis. After medically retiring from the military, she returned to Montana and took up adaptive sports, eventually becoming one of five athletes selected to represent Team USA in wheelchair curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Through her involvement in the Last Chance Curling Club in Helena, she has helped introduce community members to curling, including adaptive curling opportunities that make the sport accessible to people of all abilities.
At Silverman Law Office, Verderber represents individuals, families, and businesses across Montana in business litigation, contract disputes, real estate matters, and probate litigation.
“In every chapter of her life, Katie turns obstacles into opportunities and inspires others to pursue possibilities they may not have thought possible,” her nomination for the award reads.