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On January 20, 2025, JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States, marking a new chapter in American politics. Standing by his side was his wife, Usha Vance, a Yale-educated attorney of Indian origin, who is now the Second Lady of the United States.
Her journey, from the daughter of Indian immigrants to a key figure in American political and legal circles, highlights a compelling story of intellect, ambition, and cultural heritage.
Early Life and Indian Heritage
Usha Vance (née Chilukuri) was born to Indian parents who emigrated from Andhra Pradesh, India, to the United States in 1986. Raised in a suburb of San Diego, California, she grew up in a family that valued education, discipline, and cultural roots. Her Indian heritage played a formative role in shaping her values, and while she embraced American society, she remained deeply connected to her South Asian ancestry.
Her upbringing reflected a blend of Indian traditions and American aspirations. Usha’s parents instilled in her the importance of academic excellence, a principle she carried with her throughout her educational and professional journey.
From Yale to Cambridge: Her Academic Journey
Usha’s academic achievements set her apart early on. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University before securing a prestigious Gates Scholarship to pursue a Master of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. Her intellectual prowess and leadership skills were evident during her time at Yale Law School, where she took on editorial roles at the Yale Journal of Law & Technology and The Yale Law Journal.
Her legal career flourished as she later clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh at the U.S. Supreme Court. These roles positioned her as a rising star in American law and solidified her reputation as a sharp legal mind.
Meeting JD Vance: A Yale Love Story
Usha met JD Vance at Yale Law School, where their shared passion for law and public service sparked a deep connection. Their relationship grew, leading to their marriage in 2014. The couple incorporated elements of Usha’s Indian heritage into their wedding, which included a Hindu ritual, signifying her cultural ties even as she stepped into a new phase of life.
Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, while balancing demanding careers.
Although Usha Vance has maintained a relatively low public profile, she has been a steady source of support for her husband’s political career. JD Vance, a former Marine and author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has often credited Usha with shaping his worldview and offering critical insights, especially on legal and policy matters.
As a corporate litigator at a prestigious law firm, Usha’s expertise in law and governance provides a strong foundation for her advisory role in JD Vance’s political career. Even before her husband’s rise to the vice presidency, she was an active presence during his Ohio Senate campaign, making appearances and contributing to his political strategies.
America’s First Indian-Origin Second Lady
As the first Indian-origin Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance’s journey represents a remarkable milestone. She embodies the success story of Indian immigrants in America and serves as an inspiration to millions who see in her a blend of tradition, intellect, and leadership.
JD Vance has frequently spoken about the profound role Usha has played in his life, describing her as his “source of strength.” In a 2024 interview, he said, “She’s always there for me, not just as a wife, but as a sounding board and a source of wisdom. Without her, none of this would be possible.”
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