Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance, born on January 6, 1986, in San Diego, California, has emerged as a prominent figure in American public life. As the wife of Vice President JD Vance, she holds the distinction of being the first Indian-American, Hindu, and Millennial to serve as the Second Lady of the United States.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Rancho Peñasquitos, a suburb of San Diego, Usha is the daughter of Telugu-speaking Hindu immigrants from Andhra Pradesh, India. Her father, Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri, is an aerospace engineer and lecturer at San Diego State University, while her mother, Lakshmi Chilukuri, serves as the provost at the University of California, San Diego.
Usha’s academic journey began at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She then pursued an MPhil in Modern History at Clare College, University of Cambridge, as a Gates Cambridge Scholar. Returning to Yale, she obtained her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, serving as the executive development editor for the Yale Law Journal.
Legal Career
Usha’s legal career is marked by prestigious clerkships and positions. She clerked for Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and later for Chief Justice John Roberts on the U.S. Supreme Court. Subsequently, she joined the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, specializing in civil litigation and appeals, with a focus on higher education, local government, and technology sectors.
Personal Life and Political Involvement
Usha met JD Vance at Yale Law School, where they co-organized a discussion group on “social decline in white America.” They married in 2014 and have three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. Initially a registered Democrat, Usha’s political alignment evolved alongside her husband’s career. She played a pivotal role in JD Vance’s 2024 vice-presidential campaign, offering strategic advice and support. Following his nomination, she resigned from her legal position to focus on family and public service.
Role as Second Lady
Since assuming the role of Second Lady in January 2025, Usha has been active in diplomatic and cultural engagements. During a visit to India, she emphasized the cultural significance of the trip for her family, highlighting her Indian heritage.
In the absence of First Lady Melania Trump from public duties, Usha has taken on increased responsibilities, including international visits and hosting major events, effectively stepping into a First Lady-like role.