History was made on May 26th, 2023, as retired Navy Captain Timika Lindsay watched her daughter Elise become the first ever Black mother-daughter graduates of the US Naval Academy in its 177 years.
For Timika, an Academy alum herself who graduated in 1992, the milestone cemented her family’s enduring legacy of military service stretching back to her own father’s WWII service. After a groundbreaking 30-year Naval career, she sees her daughter carry the torch into the next generation.
Lifelong Passion for Service and Diversity
Elise grew up immersed in Navy life, joining her trailblazer mom on overseas postings. Exposure to fleet culture and friendships with other military kids sparked her own passion to serve.
Although initially daunting being known as “the Captain’s daughter”, Elise gradually forged her own naval path. Her proud mom Timika retired in 2021 as one of the Navy’s highest-ranking Black female officers and Naval Academy Chief Diversity Officer.
Timika now consults on diversity, equity and inclusion in her firm Anchor Leadership Solutions. She also continues supporting Naval Academy minority mentorship initiatives, calling herself only “secretly retired!”
Following in Famous Footsteps
Newly commissioned Ensign Elise Lindsay heads shortly to Japan, returning to the country that first awoke her sense of adventure in the fleet. The Lindsay family’s dedication lives on through Elise’s brother Eric Jr., on track to graduate the Academy alongside the class of 2025.
As trailblazers, this mother-daughter duo exemplifies the Naval Academy’s growing diversity. Their barrier-breaking journey spanning three decades highlights an enduring family devotion to serving the nation.
