Women Like You Take The Lead: Shannon Eastin

Take The Lead salutes women who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. We will be recognizing women as part of our Women Like You Take The Lead campaign in the weeks leading up to the Take The Lead Challenge Launch Event on February 19th.

Shannon Eastin is the first woman to referee a National Football League game.

She was hired as a replacement official in 2012 during the lockout of full-time referees. She officiated her first game on August 9 of 2012, a preseason match between the Green Bay Packers and the San Diego Chargers.She officiated her first regular season game on September 9 of 2012, between the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams.

Eastin approached the NFL with vast experience spending 16 combined seasons officiating for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, high school games, and for the Arizona Cardinals Red and White game. Before the game-changing (pun intended) preseason match where she would be the first woman to referee a NFL game, Eastin had this to say: “I’m excited. Every step is hope that I can continue to show it really doesn’t matter male or female, as long as you work hard… For me this is my dream coming true. I’m honored the NFL has chosen to place me in this position. I feel blessed and excited. I’m a little nervous in anticipation.”

Eastin, who started officiating high school games before moving up to colleges, owns a company called SE Sports Officiating, which trains officials in football and basketball.

She blazed the trail for other female football refs. Some say that Sarah Thomas is on her way toward becoming the first permanent female official in the NFL. It could happen as early as the 2014 season.

Ready to do more in your career and life in 2014? Join us and 1 million other participants on February 19th for the Take The Lead Challenge Launch Event, designed to inspire you and show you how to embrace your power and fulfill your potential. Learn more about the event and sign up for the free livestream.