<p>Sarah Thomas changed the game in the world’s most quintessential male-dominated sport—football—when she became the first female NFL official. Now she’s inspiring others to dream big and believe anything is possible.</p><p>She officiated her first game September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Today, Sarah Thomas’s hat, whistle, and flag are on display at the NFL Hall of Fame and serve as a testament to this historic achievement. Sarah also made post-season history by being named Down Judge for the Patriots/Chargers 2019 playoff game and was named one of the <em>Sports Illustrated </em>100 most influential figures of all time. No stranger to being the first or breaking gender-barriers, she was the first female official to ever work a major college football game, to officiate a bowl game, and to officiate in a Big Ten stadium. </p><p>Since joining the NFL's roster of officials, she has become a trail-blazing inspiration to women everywhere, embodying the notion that with a belief in self, inner drive, hard work, preparation, and a mindset of being the best you can be, no barrier or ceiling is impenetrable. </p><p>With the same unflappability that it takes to make a split-second call on the field, Sarah exudes equal confidence on stage as she shares key insights on overcoming adversity – and the odds – finding your passion while maintaining work-life balance, decision-making, and not only succeeding as a female in a male-dominated industry but achieving breakthrough success for males and females alike. </p><p> </p>
The NFL’s First Female Official; One of the <em>Sports Illustrated</em> 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time
<ul><li><strong>Breaking Through: My Journey to Becoming the First Female NFL Official</strong></li><li>Sarah Thomas is a woman of many firsts—she was the first female official to ever work a major college football game, the first woman to officiate a bowl game, and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium. In 2021 she became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl. Now she’s sharing essential leadership lessons from her journey to the top of a male-dominated industry and vital insights on shattering the glass ceiling in the world of professional sports that can be applied to any field or industry. As an example of what’s possible if you believe, Sarah shows audience members how to break through in their own careers, from staying focused under pressure and creating change to managing work-life balance and being the best at what you do. </li></ul>