7 Surprising Facts About Usha Vance: The Trial Lawyer Who Became America's History-Making Second Lady

As of December 10, 2025, the spotlight has intensely focused on Usha Vance, the accomplished wife of Vice President JD Vance and the new Second Lady of the United States. Stepping away from a high-powered career as a trial lawyer, Usha Vance has quickly transitioned into a public role, bringing a unique background—as the first Indian American and practicing Hindu to hold the position—to the Second Family. Her journey is a compelling narrative of academic excellence, professional rigor, and a deep commitment to family, now intersecting with the highest levels of American politics. While her husband, JD Vance, is a well-known figure from the Senate and his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, Usha Vance’s own story is equally remarkable, characterized by a quiet but formidable intellect and a clear focus on her new public platform.

Usha Vance: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Usha Vance (née Chilukuri) has built an impressive life defined by her legal acumen and academic achievements, all before entering the national political arena. Her detailed profile reveals a background steeped in the pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to the law.

• Full Name: Usha Bala Vance (née Chilukuri)
• Born: January 6, 1986
• Age (as of 2025): 39
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Hometown: Raised in Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego.
• Parents: Radhakrishna "Krish" Chilukuri and Lakshmi Chilukuri. They are Indian immigrants from the state of Andhra Pradesh, who moved to the U.S. in the late 1970s. Krish is an aerospace engineer and lecturer at San Diego State University, and Lakshmi serves as a university administrator.
• Heritage: Indian American (First Indian American Second Lady)
• Religion: Practicing Hindu (First practicing Hindu Second Lady)
• Spouse: J.D. Vance (married 2014)
• Children: Three—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
• Education:
  • Yale University (Undergraduate)
  • Yale Law School (J.D.)—where she met JD Vance.
• Former Profession: Trial Lawyer at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP.
• Current Role: Second Lady of the United States (since January 2025)

The High-Powered Legal Career She Left Behind

Before dedicating herself to the role of Second Lady, Usha Vance was a highly respected figure in the legal field, a background that provides a sharp contrast to the political world she now inhabits. Her professional journey underscores her intellectual depth and commitment to complex legal issues. Usha Vance’s legal career was marked by her tenure at the prestigious law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. As a trial lawyer, she worked on sophisticated, high-stakes litigation, with a reputation for intellectual rigor and meticulous preparation. The firm, known for handling complex cases, utilized her expertise in their San Francisco, D.C., and later Ohio offices. Her decision to step away from this demanding legal practice in July 2024, following her husband’s selection as the Vice Presidential running mate, was a significant one. This move demonstrated her full commitment to supporting the Trump-Vance Administration and embracing the responsibilities of the Second Family. This professional foundation in law is a key entity of her public persona, often highlighted as a sign of her serious and grounded nature.

Usha Vance’s Second Lady Initiatives: Education and Family Focus

As the Second Lady, Usha Vance has quickly defined her public focus, choosing initiatives that align with her personal values and the universal themes of education and family life. Her early actions in 2025 demonstrate a clear path forward, distinct from her legal past.

A Champion for Childhood Literacy: The Summer Reading Challenge

One of the most significant and fresh developments in her public life has been the launch of a nationwide children's reading initiative. In early 2025, Usha Vance announced the Summer Reading Challenge, a program supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This initiative aims to combat the "summer slide" in learning and promote childhood literacy across the nation. This focus on tangible, non-partisan educational goals has been widely welcomed, positioning her as a champion for American children.

Supporting Public Charter Schools

Beyond literacy, Usha Vance has shown a keen interest in educational choice. A key public engagement in 2025 included a visit to the Cherokee Classical Academy in Cherokee County, Georgia. This visit to a public charter school signals a potential focus area on alternative educational models and parental choice in schooling, an issue that resonates strongly with many conservative families. This active involvement in educational reform is a critical aspect of her current role.

Her History-Making Indian American and Hindu Roots

Usha Vance’s background is a point of significant historical and cultural interest, making her a trailblazer in American politics. She is the first Indian American and the first practicing Hindu to serve as the Second Lady. Her parents, Krish and Lakshmi Chilukuri, immigrated from Andhra Pradesh, India, and instilled in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage, which she has openly discussed. The family’s journey—from India to San Diego, California—is a classic American immigrant success story, culminating in a daughter reaching one of the highest non-elected offices in the country. This heritage not only adds a new dimension to the Second Lady role but also serves as an important bridge to the rapidly growing Indian American community.

The Vance Family: Balancing Public Life and Private Values

Usha and JD Vance’s relationship began at Yale Law School, where they met and later married in 2014. They share three young children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. The couple often speaks about their commitment to maintaining a sense of "normalcy" for their children amidst the unique pressures of life in Washington D.C. and the demands of the Vice Presidency. The family’s emphasis on privacy and their Midwestern base in Ohio—JD Vance’s home state—reflects a desire to keep their children grounded. Usha Vance’s presence provides a stable anchor for the Vance family, allowing the Vice President to navigate the turbulent political landscape while she focuses on their shared values of faith, family, and education. Her public appearances are often centered around these themes, reinforcing a narrative of traditional values and intellectual strength in the White House orbit.