Usha Vance is poised to make history as the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States following her husband JD Vance’s election as vice president under Donald Trump. This moment has ignited a wave of pride and excitement in her ancestral village of Vadluru, Andhra Pradesh, where residents have been praying for her success, hoping it will bring attention and improvements to their community.
Background of Usha Vance
- Heritage: Born Usha Chilukuri in 1986 in San Diego, California, she is the daughter of Indian immigrants from Andhra Pradesh who moved to the U.S. over 50 years ago.
- Education: Usha graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University and earned a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar. She later obtained her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where she excelled in various editorial roles.
- Career: Before stepping into the political spotlight, Usha was a corporate litigator at a prestigious firm in San Francisco and served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh.
Community Pride
The news of Usha’s impending role has been met with enthusiasm in her ancestral village. Villagers express hope that her position will enhance their community’s visibility and improve local conditions. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the significance of this achievement for the Telugu community worldwide, anticipating strengthened ties between India and the United States.
Personal Life
Usha met JD Vance at Yale Law School, where they formed a close bond that led to their marriage in 2014. They have three children together. Throughout JD’s political career, Usha has been a steadfast supporter, often credited with shaping his public persona and ideas, particularly those reflected in his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.”In her public appearances, including at the Republican National Convention, Usha has shared insights about their family life, emphasizing their commitment to both personal and professional responsibilities. As she prepares for her new role as Second Lady, there is considerable anticipation regarding how she will utilize her background and experiences to influence initiatives during her tenure.
