Maia Chaka facts for kids
Maia Chaka is a trailblazer in American football. She made history as the first Black woman to become an on-field official in the National Football League (NFL). This means she helped make sure games were played fairly, following all the rules. She wore uniform number 100. Chaka was born in Rochester, New York. She became the third woman to officiate on the field in the NFL, following Shannon Eastin and Sarah Thomas.
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Officiating Career
Starting in Football
Maia Chaka began her journey as a football official in 2007. She started by working high school games in Virginia. By 2009, she was officiating important games, like the Virginia State High School Championship. In 2011, she moved up to officiate college football games in Conference USA. Chaka even worked a college bowl game, the 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl, alongside Sarah Thomas.
Joining the NFL
In 2014, Chaka joined a special program for officials who wanted to work in the NFL. She then started officiating regular season college games for the Pac-12 in 2018. In 2019, she also began officiating women's basketball games at the college level.
During the 2020-2021 Pac-12 season, Chaka worked as a head linesman. This role involves making calls along the sidelines of the field. She also officiated the 2021 Senior Bowl, which is a big game for college players hoping to join the NFL.
On March 5, 2021, Maia Chaka received a major promotion. She became an on-field official for the National Football League. Her very first NFL game as a line judge was on September 12, 2021. It was a game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets. After working in the NFL for three seasons, Chaka did not return to the league for the 2024 season.
Education and Other Work
School and Teaching
Maia Chaka graduated from Edison Career & Technology High School in Rochester in 2000. She then went on to graduate from Norfolk State University in 2006.
After college, Chaka started her career as a health and physical education teacher. She taught at Virginia Beach Central Academy, which later became Renaissance Academy, starting in 2006.
Helping Students and Community
In 2008, Chaka started a club called G.E.M.S. This stands for "Girls with Empowering Minds and Spirits." The club was created to help young girls feel good about themselves, do well in school, and be encouraged to learn.
After 15 years at Renaissance Academy, Chaka took on a new role in 2021. She became the Student Success Coordinator at An Achievable Dream Academy in Virginia Beach. In this job, she helps students achieve their goals.
Also in 2021, Chaka founded a non-profit organization called Make Meaningful Change (MMC). This group works to make a positive difference in the community.
Awards and Recognition
Maia Chaka has received many awards for her hard work and dedication:
- Elliot Cushing Award (2023)
- Orange Blossom Classic Breaking Barriers Award (2021)
- Black Enterprise 40 under 40 Class of (2021)
- ABC World News Person of the Week (2021)
- Men for Hope Trailblazer Award (2019)
- Virginia Beach Public Schools I Make a Difference Award (2019)
- Virginia Beach Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award (2014)
- Virginia Beach Public Schools I Make a Difference Award (2014)
- Virginia Beach Central Academy Reading Teacher of the Year Award (2009)
See also
