Maia Chaka — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

First Black woman hired as an on-field official by the National Football League (NFL).
Founder of Make Meaningful Change, a non-profit established in 2021.
Served as an NFL official for three seasons, with her first game on September 12, 2021.
Founded G.E.M.S. (Girls with Empowering Minds and Spirits) in 2008, a club promoting self-esteem and academic achievement.
Worked as a health and physical education teacher for 15 years at Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006.

Biography

Maia Chaka is the founder of Make Meaningful Change and a former official in the National Football League (NFL). She achieved national recognition as the first Black woman hired by the NFL as an on-field official, making her the league's third female on-field official after Shannon Eastin and Sarah Thomas. Her first NFL game as a line judge was on September 12, 2021, between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets. Chaka officiated in the NFL for three seasons before not returning for 2024.