Knowing that I’m a female in a man’s world, I’ve always put the most pressure on myself. Pretty much everything I do is going to be magnified. I know what I signed up for. I have to be bigger, stronger, know that I understand the rules. I have to do things even better than the men that are working. And I’m ok with that.
These are the words of a woman who has just broken the glass……errrr……turf……ceiling. Shannon Eastin last week became the first woman to referee a football game in the NFL. She’s an experienced referee, having spent the last 17 years in college football officiating. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s more than capable of this job.
It’s unclear whether or not Ms. Eastin will continue her temporary job with the NFL. She’s only moved there now because of labor disputes with current referees. She could potentially remain with the NFL after disputes are resolved, but has not yet announced her intentions. But no matter the length of her time in the NFL, she’s opened the door for other women who wish to earn a role like this one in the NFL and other sports. Congratulations, Shannon. You’re a woman we adore!
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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