Usha Vance truly stepped into the spotlight on the January 20, 2025. In her gorgeous pink Oscar de la Renta look, she proudly held the Bible as her husband J.D Vance became Vice President. Her stylish look and loving expression made her one of the most notable figures of the inauguration.
Who is Usha Vance? Let’s dive into the story of America’s newest Second Lady.
Background and Early Life
Usha Bala Chilukuri was born in San Diego, California on the 6th January 1986. Her family is originally from India, originating in Vadduru, Andhra Pradesh before heading to Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her paternal grandfather taught physics at a college in Chennai.
Her parents are also scientists and professors. Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri is a lecturer in the Aerospace Engineering department at San Diego State University. Professor/ Dr. Lakshmi Chilukuri is a teaching professor in the Molecular Biology department of UC San Diego. Professor Chilukuri is also Provost of the Sixth College, coordinator of the teaching lab, member of committee on diversity in science and Marshall Mentor.
Usha was raised in a devout Hindu household along with her sister Shreya. She graduated a year early from Mt. Carmel High School before attending Yale. She partook in a number of extracurricular activities before graduating Yale summa cum Laude with a degree in history. Usha spent several years around the globe, teaching in China and gaining an MPhil in early modern history from Cambridge.
In 2010, Usha arrived at Yale again, this time to study law. She also participated in a number of extracurricular activities during her time in law school. It was during this time that Usha met fellow student J. D. Vance. His life couldn’t be more different than Usha’s. He was a former Marine raised by his grandparents in lieu of his drug addict parents. They soon began dating and a year after graduating in 2013, they married in an interfaith ceremony.
Career
Usha worked as a clerk for several judges, including Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court. She also worked for a number of law firms, including the “radically progressive” Munger, Tolles and Olson of San Francisco. Her husband once stated that her achievements made him feel “humbled.”
Family Life
Usha and Vance have three children. Ewan is the eldest, born in June 2017, Vivek was born in February 2020 and Mirabel in December 2021. Little is known about the children.
Politics
In 2022, J. D. Vance was elected to the US Senate, and was sworn in on the 3rd January 2023. Vance became well-known for his strong conservative rhetoric and “American Dream” story. In 2024, Vance was known to be on the shortlist for Donald Trump’s ticket mate. Vance was announced as the vice presidential candidate on the 15th July 2024, beating former Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum, Senator for Florida Marco Rubio and Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott.
Usha Vance was thrust into the spotlight. Following her husband’s selection, Usha quit her job to join him on the campaign trail. She delivered the introductory address for her husband at the Republican National Convention, but generally stayed in the background when campaigning. On the 5th November, she was there celebrating when he won.
She is the second non-Christian First Lady/Gentleman after Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, and first non-white First Lady.
Second Lady-elect and Second Lady
Usha was no doubt busy organising their move to D.C, which would include finding a school for their children. The Vances will be living at Number One Observatory Circle, the official residence of the Second Family.
On Inauguration Day, Usha wore a baby pink Oscar de la Renta dress and coat. At the inaugural balls, she chose a sparky blue Reem Acra gown.
We don’t know yet what kind of Second Lady Usha Vance will be. Traditionally, there is even less of a defined role for the Second Lady than there is for the First Lady. Historically, they have acted as hostesses and homemakers for their husband in the traditional role. Some have acted as a quasi-First Lady when the official one has been incapacitated, such as Jennie Hobart for Ida McKinley or when one does not exist, such as Floride Calhoun.
Second Ladies did not gain much power until the popular Pat Nixon became somewhat of a global ambassador for the United States. Later Second Ladies such as Lady Bird Johnson, Barbara Bush and Tipper Gore enjoyed great prominence. Several have followed First Ladies in choosing causes to champion: Joan Mondale was known as ‘Joan of Art,’ Tipper Gore caused ire with her push for advisory labels on music and Karen Pence advocated for art therapy.
Whether she continues working, focuses on raising the kids, is a hostess or an activist, the world will surely learn more about Usha Vance. I for one am hoping that Usha’s fashion choices at the Inauguration means that she’s going to be a style icon.
