Celebrating Usha Vance: First Indian-American Second Lady

Usha Vance made history on Monday by becoming the first Indian-American Second Lady of the United States. Her husband, J.D. Vance, was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States in a ceremony that marked a significant milestone for the Indian-American community and underscored the role of the First Indian-American Second Lady.

During the ceremony, Usha Vance held a Bible in one hand and their daughter, Mirabel Rose, in the other, as J.D. Vance took the oath of office. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who has been a long-time mentor to Usha.

The event was graced by the presence of President Donald Trump, who light-heartedly remarked that Usha Vance might be smarter than her husband and even suggested he could have chosen her as the Vice President. This jest highlighted Usha’s accomplishments and intellectual prowess.

The Vance children – Ewan Blaine, 7, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel Rose, 3 – were present during the ceremony. Clad in formal suits, the boys added a touch of charm, while Usha looked elegant in pink as she beamed with pride. J.D. Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, who has faced personal struggles with addiction, stood by the family, exemplifying their journey of resilience and hope.

Usha Vance was born to Telugu immigrants from India, Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri and Lakshmi Chilukuri, and embodies the American dream. Her father is an aerospace engineer, and her mother serves as the provost at the University of California, San Diego. Usha’s achievements reflect her upbringing and the strong values instilled by her parents.

After excelling academically, Usha attended Yale University, where she met J.D. Vance. Their connection flourished amidst the challenging environment of an Ivy League institution, and they married in 2014.

J.D. Vance’s life story is one of perseverance and transformation. Raised in Middleton, Ohio, by his grandmother due to his mother’s struggles with addiction, he joined the military to escape a tumultuous environment. His admission to Yale marked a turning point, despite feeling out of place at times. In his memoir, he credited Usha as his “spirit guide,” stating, “In a place that always seemed a little foreign, Usha’s presence made me feel at home.”

After graduating, J.D. briefly practiced law before moving into venture capital. His political career began with his election to the Senate in 2022, leading to his current role as Vice President.

Usha Vance’s legal career is distinguished by her tenure as a clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh. As a corporate litigator, she left her prestigious law firm to support her husband’s Vice Presidential campaign. Her transition from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party signifies her alignment with J.D. Vance’s political vision.

Usha Vance’s rise as Second Lady is a significant milestone for the Indian-American community, highlighting the growing influence of this diaspora in U.S. politics and society. Her journey from being the daughter of immigrants to holding one of the highest offices in the country is a powerful story of determination, excellence, and breaking barriers.

As Second Lady, Usha Vance is poised to bring her unique perspective and experiences to her role. Her background in law, combined with her understanding of diverse cultures, positions her to contribute meaningfully to her husband’s administration.