Maia Chaka

Maia Chaka is a sports official and educator recognized as the first Black woman named to the National Football League's officiating staff. Chaka became the league's third female on-field official, following Shannon Eastin and Sarah Thomas. Her career in football officiating began with high school games in Virginia, progressing through collegiate conferences including Pac-12 Conference and Conference USA. Chaka and Thomas were the first female officials to work a Football Bowl Subdivision bowl game between Washington and Brigham Young University.

Chaka holds a bachelor's degree in education from Norfolk State University. She has balanced dual careers as a physical education teacher and football referee, joining the NFL after participating in the NFL Officiating Development Program. Her debut as an NFL line judge occurred in a game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets.

In addition to her work in football, Chaka is a health and physical education teacher at Renaissance Academy in Virginia, where she supports at-risk students facing behavioral and academic challenges. She has taught in alternative education for at-risk youth and has facilitated professional development training for educators, including during the COVID-19 pandemic to support online learning.

Chaka has been inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame and participates in panels and forums nationwide. She founded the nonprofit Make Meaningful Change, which provides educational enrichment services to economically disadvantaged youth. Chaka is known for her advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports and education, and for her contributions to community service and youth development.