Jill Biden

Jill Biden, the current First Lady of the United States, was born on June 3, 1951, in Hammonton, New Jersey. She was raised in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. From a young age, Jill demonstrated a passion for education, which would become a central theme throughout her life. She began her career as a teacher, eventually earning several degrees including a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

Jill Biden graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1975. Her undergraduate education laid the groundwork for her career as an educator and lifelong learner. Her passion for literature and teaching has been a central theme in her professional journey. This early achievement highlighted her dedication to academic pursuits, which continued throughout her life with further education and teaching roles.

Jill Biden married Joe Biden on June 17, 1977. The couple met on a blind date arranged by Joe's brother. At the time, Joe Biden was a mid-career U.S. Senator who had tragically lost his first wife and daughter in a car accident. Jill Biden played a significant role in helping Joe rebuild his family and life. Their marriage brought stability and warmth, and together they raised three children: Beau, Hunter, and Ashley.

On June 8, 1981, Jill Biden earned her first Master’s Degree in Education from West Chester University. This milestone marked the beginning of her lifelong career devoted to education. Throughout her career, she has earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate. Her commitment to teaching and learning is evident in her professional and personal endeavors, where she advocates for accessible education and literacy nationwide.

In January 1987, Jill Biden started working as an English teacher at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware. Her role at the high school marked a significant point in her teaching career, where she was able to directly impact students' learning experiences. Throughout her tenure, she fostered an environment of encouragement and literary exploration, which she carried into her broader educational advocacy.

Jill Biden became the Second Lady of the United States on January 3, 2007, when her husband, Joe Biden, was sworn in as Vice President under President Barack Obama. As Second Lady, Jill Biden continued to work full-time as a professor at Northern Virginia Community College, while also supporting military families and advocating for community colleges and education reform. Her dual role underscored her commitment to education and public service.

In 2007, Jill Biden founded the Biden Breast Health Initiative, a program designed to educate young women about breast health. The initiative was inspired by four of her close friends' battles with breast cancer. Through the program, Jill has reached thousands of young women to promote the importance of early detection and health education. Her work in public health education has been a testament to her commitment to health and wellness.

In July 2009, Jill Biden founded the Book Buddies program, an early literacy initiative designed to promote reading among young children. Through the program, older students and adults volunteer to read with elementary school students, fostering a love for reading and improving literacy skills. Book Buddies aligns with Jill's mission to enhance educational opportunities for children and has become a valued resource in promoting childhood literacy.

As the Second Lady in 2010, Jill Biden co-founded the Joining Forces Initiative alongside First Lady Michelle Obama. This initiative was aimed at supporting service members, veterans, and their families through various programs. The initiative worked on providing increased opportunities for employment, education, and wellness. Jill's dedication to this cause reflects her broader advocacy for military families, a central pillar in her public service efforts.

Jill Biden published her first children's book titled 'Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops' on June 25, 2011. This heartwarming book is based on the true story of her granddaughter, Natalie, and her experiences when her father, Beau Biden, was deployed to Iraq. The story reflects the emotional journeys of military families and underscores Jill's empathy and intimate understanding of such sacrifices. Proceeds from the book benefited military families.

Jill Biden received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Delaware on January 20, 2012. Her dissertation focused on community college student retention, and her research underscored the importance of community colleges in the U.S. education system. This degree symbolized her dedication to the field of education and reinforced her role as an advocate for teachers and students in higher education.

On July 16, 2013, Jill Biden championed the Community College to Career Fund initiative, an effort to strengthen partnerships between community colleges and businesses to promote job training and economic opportunities. Her advocacy extended to Congress to garner support for funding, emphasizing the critical role community colleges play in workforce development. Her involvement was reflective of her broader commitment to education and economic growth.

On May 30, 2015, Jill Biden faced a personal tragedy with the death of her stepson, Beau Biden, due to complications from brain cancer. Beau was a promising political figure, having served as the Attorney General of Delaware and was considered a future leader in the Biden family. His death had a profound impact on Jill, who has since been a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and research, channeling her grief into public health campaigns.

Jill Biden published her memoir, 'Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself', on August 13, 2019. This book offers an intimate look into her life, sharing her experiences of love, loss, and resilience. Through her memoir, Jill opens up about her journey as an educator, Second Lady, and the personal challenges she faced. Her narrative provides insight into the determination and compassion that define her public and private life.

Jill Biden became the First Lady of the United States following the election of her husband, Joe Biden, as the 46th President. This historic moment was announced on November 7, 2020, after one of the most contested elections in U.S. history. As First Lady, Jill Biden has focused on education, military families, and cancer research, while maintaining her position as a professor. Her role exemplifies a modern approach to the position, balancing public and personal commitments.

On March 17, 2021, Jill Biden visited Delaware National Guard troops deployed to the U.S. Capitol. This visit underscored her deep connection to military families and her continued dedication as First Lady to those who serve. During the visit, she expressed gratitude and support to the troops, highlighting her ongoing commitment to the Joining Forces initiative which supports service members and their loved ones.