Discover Usha Vance journey from a distinguished legal career to becoming the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States, supporting her husband, Vice President JD Vance.

Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance was born on January 6, 1986, in San Diego County, California, to Telugu Indian immigrants from Andhra Pradesh. Raised in an academically inclined family, Usha excelled in her studies from a young age. She graduated summa cum laude from Yale University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Usha continued her academic journey as a Gates Cambridge Scholar at Clare College, Cambridge, earning a Master of Philosophy in Early Modern History in 2010. She then returned to Yale Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2013.​

After law school, Usha Vance clerked for several prominent judges, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Judge Brett Kavanaugh at the U.S. Supreme Court. She also served under Judge Amul Thapar of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Following her clerkships, Usha worked as a civil litigator at Munger, Tolles & Olson, handling cases in education, government, and entertainment sectors. In July 2024, she resigned from her position to focus on her family and support her husband’s political endeavors .​

Usha Vance’s political journey began alongside her husband’s, JD Vance, whom she met at Yale Law School. She has been a steadfast advisor and supporter throughout his political career. In 2024, Usha delivered the introductory address at the Republican National Convention for JD Vance, showcasing her public speaking prowess and commitment to his campaign. With JD Vance’s election as Vice President in 2024, Usha became the Second Lady of the United States on January 20, 2025. She made history as the first Indian-American and Hindu to hold this position .

Usha and JD Vance married in 2014 in an interfaith ceremony that blended their cultural backgrounds. Usha is a practicing Hindu and a vegetarian, and she has introduced JD to Indian cuisine and traditions. The couple has three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Usha is actively involved in community service. She serves as a trustee of the Washington National Opera and has been on the boards of the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra .​

Usha Vance is recognized for her poised and elegant public appearances. Her fashion choices have been noted for their sophistication, setting her apart from traditional political figures. Despite facing criticism from some quarters due to her Indian heritage, Usha has remained a strong and dignified figure in the public eye. Her role as Second Lady reflects a modern and inclusive image of American leadership.​

Usha Vance’s journey from a distinguished legal career to becoming the First Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States is a testament to her dedication, intellect, and cultural heritage. Her contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for greater diversity and representation in American politics.