Usha Chilukuri Vance is an accomplished attorney and the wife of J.D. Vance, an American politician and author known for his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” Born in San Diego, California, Usha is of Indian-American heritage. Her background, education, and career are as impressive as they are diverse, reflecting her deep cultural roots and professional achievements.
Early Life and Education
Usha Chilukuri was born and raised in San Diego, California. Her parents, originally from India, immigrated to the United States, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage that Usha embraced throughout her life. She attended Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego before pursuing higher education at Yale University.
At Yale, Usha earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2007. Her academic excellence continued as she was awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, allowing her to pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in early modern history at the University of Cambridge in 2009. During her time at Cambridge, she focused on the career of John Field, a 17th-century printer, exploring methods used for protecting printing rights during that period.
Legal Career
After completing her MPhil, Usha returned to Yale Law School, where she further distinguished herself. She served as the executive development editor of the Yale Law Journal and as managing editor of the Yale Journal of Law & Technology. Her legal acumen and dedication to her studies paved the way for a stellar career in law.
Following her graduation from Yale Law School, Usha clerked for several prominent judges. From 2013 to 2014, she worked for Judge Amul Thapar at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. She then clerked for Brett Kavanaugh at the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 2014 to 2015. Finally, she served as a clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts at the U.S. Supreme Court from 2017 to 2018.
Usha currently works as an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, where she focuses on complex civil litigation and appeals across various sectors, including technology and higher education.
Personal Life and Cultural Heritage
Usha met J.D. Vance at Yale Law School, and the couple married in 2014. They have three children and reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Usha’s Indian heritage is an integral part of her identity, influencing both her personal and professional life. Despite her busy career, she remains connected to her cultural roots, often participating in community activities and cultural events.
Her marriage to J.D. Vance, who has been a vocal advocate for family values and community support, has further highlighted the intersection of their cultural backgrounds. Usha’s influence on Vance has been significant, helping him navigate and address the complexities of his own background and upbringing.
Professional and Community Involvement
Beyond her legal career, Usha has been active in various community and professional organizations. She has served on the board of the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, reflecting her commitment to both her professional community and her cultural heritage.
Her dedication to her work and community has made Usha Chilukuri Vance a role model for many, particularly for those in the Indian-American community. She embodies the values of hard work, cultural pride, and community service, demonstrating how one’s heritage can enrich both personal and professional endeavors.
Usha Chilukuri Vance’s story is one of cultural pride, academic excellence, and professional achievement. Her Indian-American heritage has played a significant role in shaping her identity and career, making her an influential figure in both her community and the broader legal profession. As she continues to balance her professional responsibilities with her commitment to her family and cultural roots, Usha remains a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of embracing one’s heritage.
