Years before she became a national figure, Usha Chilukuri was marching to a different beat—quite literally. At Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, she played in the school’s marching band. But even then, her vision extended far beyond the melody of halftime shows.
Usha’s next act was nothing short of extraordinary. At Yale University, she pursued a degree in history, but it wasn’t just academic rigor that set her apart. She was an advocate, a leader, and a voice for education reform, even taking the reins as editor-in-chief of Our Education, a publication dedicated to policy solutions. Yale wasn’t just an institution for her; it was a launching pad for her lifelong mission to create meaningful change.
An Ivy League Scholar with a Global Perspective
Usha’s appetite for knowledge wasn’t confined to the US. After Yale, she earned a coveted Gates Cambridge Scholarship and crossed the Atlantic to study at Cambridge University’s Clare College. There, she dove into Early Modern History, earning her M.Phil. in 2010 with the kind of academic excellence that made her a standout on any campus.
Returning stateside, she attended Yale Law School, where she not only mastered the intricacies of the law but also met her future husband, JD Vance. Yet, her legacy at Yale wasn’t solely defined by romance—she held prestigious editorial positions at the university’s top law journals, cementing her place as a legal intellect to watch.
From Courtrooms to Campaign Trails
Graduating in 2013, Usha launched a legal career that many could only dream of. She clerked for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the US Court of Appeals before serving as a clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts at the Supreme Court. Her trajectory in the legal field was meteoric, leading her to a successful career as an associate at a top-tier law firm.
In 2024, Usha made a bold pivot. She stepped away from her high-profile career to support JD Vance’s campaign for the vice presidency. It was a move that showcased not only her commitment to her family but also her readiness to embrace the larger role destiny had in store.
January 20, 2025: A Moment for the History Books
On Inauguration Day 2025, JD Vance took the oath as Vice President, and Usha assumed the role of Second Lady. Her journey—from a marching band in San Diego to becoming a beacon of inspiration for Indian-American women—is a testament to the power of ambition and grit.
Writing a Legacy of Her Own
Usha Vance is more than a historic first—she is a living embodiment of determination, intellect, and the drive to make a difference. Her path, winding through the halls of Yale, Cambridge, and the Supreme Court, underscores a universal truth: barriers are meant to be broken.
From the rhythms of a high school marching band to the steps of the White House, Usha Vance’s story isn’t just one of success—it’s the anthem of a trailblazer redefining the American dream.