Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States and spouse of Vice President JD Vance, opened up about her Indian American background, formative years in California, and a recent family journey to India. Her reflections came during a fireside chat at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit on June 2.
Speaking candidly at the summit, Vance traced her personal story back to her roots in San Diego, California, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both immigrants from India, had come to the United States in the 1970s in pursuit of higher education. They were enrolled in PhD programs at the University of California. That immigrant journey laid the foundation for a childhood she described as full of opportunities. “I grew up with a sense of limitless possibility,” she said, recalling the freedom and support that defined her early life.
Vance’s upbringing in Southern California was deeply shaped by the values her parents brought with them from India. Their move to the U.S. was not merely a physical transition but a cultural and aspirational leap, one that enabled them to build a new life focused on academic and professional achievement. For Vance, growing up in such an environment instilled a strong work ethic, academic focus, and pride in her Indian heritage, even as she navigated life as a first-generation American.
During her remarks at the USISPF summit, Vance also reflected on how her Indian identity evolved over time. As a child and teenager, she often found herself straddling two cultures. On one hand, she was immersed in the vibrant traditions of her Indian household—filled with language, food, and customs passed down from her parents. On the other hand, she was engaging with American society in school and among friends. That duality, she noted, came with its own challenges and rewards.
This blend of cultures remained a meaningful part of her identity even as she advanced through her academic and professional journey. Vance studied law at Yale, where she met JD Vance, who would go on to become a bestselling author and, later, the Vice President of the United States. Throughout this trajectory, her Indian heritage remained a constant source of grounding and pride.
In more recent years, Vance has embraced opportunities to reconnect with her ancestral homeland. She spoke warmly about her family’s recent trip to India, describing it as a powerful experience not only for herself but for her children. Visiting India, she explained, helped her children connect with a part of their heritage that they had mostly known through stories, traditions, and food at home.
“It was very important for me to show my children where part of them comes from,” Vance said. The trip served as an opportunity to bring family history to life and strengthen the bridge between generations. From experiencing Indian hospitality to exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and bustling cities, the journey left a lasting impression on her entire family.
For Vance, the trip was also a reminder of the powerful connections that bind the Indian American community to their roots. As more Indian Americans rise to prominence in public service, business, and academia, she emphasized the importance of maintaining ties to their heritage. That, she said, includes passing on cultural knowledge and pride to the next generation.
Her remarks at the summit highlighted the growing role Indian Americans are playing in shaping U.S. society. As the wife of a Vice President, Vance occupies a highly visible platform, one that she uses to both celebrate and advocate for the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences in the United States. “The Indian American story is an American story,” she said, emphasizing the community’s contributions and resilience.
During the fireside chat, she also acknowledged the broader context of U.S.-India relations and the significance of the moment in which she was speaking. With strategic partnerships deepening between the two nations in fields like technology, defense, and education, Vance noted that these connections are not just government-to-government, but also deeply personal. “Our families, our stories, our friendships—these are what really bind the two countries together,” she remarked.
Her presence at the USISPF Leadership Summit was not just symbolic; it was also a reflection of the shifting face of American leadership. As someone who straddles both Indian and American worlds, Vance’s story underscores the evolving nature of identity in a globalized world. It also highlights the increasing importance of cultural diplomacy—people-to-people connections that reinforce official ties between nations.
She credited her parents for nurturing in her a deep appreciation for both her Indian background and her American identity. That dual legacy, she said, has given her a unique perspective—one that she brings to her current role as Second Lady. “My parents gave me the tools to succeed in any world, Indian or American,” she noted. That blend of heritage and opportunity, she believes, is what defines the Indian American experience.
Throughout the conversation, Vance remained focused on the importance of representation and cultural continuity. In her view, visibility of Indian Americans in leadership roles—whether in politics, business, or academia—is a powerful motivator for younger generations. She sees it as her responsibility to help sustain that momentum, not just through words but through action.
She also touched upon the challenges that come with public life, especially as a woman of color. Navigating these spaces, she admitted, can be daunting. However, she believes that staying connected to her roots has provided strength and clarity. “You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going,” she said. That clarity has helped her remain grounded even in the whirlwind of national politics.
Looking ahead, Vance expressed hope that her own journey—and the journeys of countless other Indian Americans—will inspire others to embrace the complexity and richness of their identities. She encouraged young people to honor their heritage while also stepping confidently into their roles as Americans shaping the country’s future.
Her message to the audience was clear: embracing a multicultural identity is not a limitation but a strength. With India and the United States continuing to build closer strategic ties, people like Usha Vance symbolize the deep and enduring personal connections that make such a partnership truly meaningful.
In sharing her personal story at the USISPF Summit, Usha Vance offered a powerful reminder of the journeys that shape us, the values we inherit, and the importance of preserving cultural roots while contributing fully to the society we call home.