Maia Chaka

New York, New York

NFL On-Field Official and School Teacher

In 2021, Maia made history as the first Black woman to join on-field officiating staff in the National Football League. She was a college football official for Pac-12 and Conference USA games when the NFL invited her to join its Officiating Development Program in 2014. Maia is also an award-winning health and physical education teacher at Renaissance Academy in Virginia, providing personalized support to at-risk students often grappling with behavioral and academic challenges. During the COVID-19 crisis, Maia co-facilitated professional development training that allowed teachers to better understand and navigate the online learning experience.