Career Timeline of Jill Biden: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jill Biden, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jill Biden is an American educator and served as the First Lady of the United States (2021-2025) as the wife of President Joe Biden. Previously, she was the Second Lady during her husband's vice presidency (2009-2017). Notably, she maintained her career as a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College throughout her time as First Lady. She was the first First Lady to hold a salaried job during the majority of her husband's tenure and the first to carry on with her professional career outside the White House for the majority of her tenure as first lady.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1975: Graduation and Teaching Career

In 1975, Jill Jacobs graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and began her career as a substitute teacher.

1987: Master of Arts in English

In 1987, Jill Biden received her second graduate degree, a Master of Arts in English from Villanova University.

1988: Continued Teaching During Campaign

During Joe Biden's unsuccessful bid for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, Jill Biden continued her job of teaching emotionally disabled children.

1993: Instructor at Delaware Technical & Community College

From 1993, Jill Biden was an instructor in English at the Stanton campus of Delaware Technical & Community College.

1993: Founded Biden Breast Health Initiative

In 1993, Jill Biden founded the Biden Breast Health Initiative, a non-profit organization providing breast health awareness programs.

January 2007: Received Doctor of Education

In January 2007, at age 55, Jill Biden received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from the University of Delaware.

2007: Co-founded Book Buddies

In 2007, Jill Biden helped found Book Buddies, which provides books for low-income children.

2008: Continued Teaching During Campaign

During Joe Biden's unsuccessful campaign to be the 2008 Democratic presidential nominee, Jill Biden continued to teach during the week and would join him for campaigning on weekends.

2008: End of Instruction at Delaware Technical & Community College

In 2008, Jill Biden ended her role as an instructor in English at the Stanton campus of Delaware Technical & Community College.

2008: Campaigning for Vice Presidency

In 2008, after her husband was selected as Barack Obama's running mate, Jill Biden began campaigning for the vice presidency.

January 2009: Began Teaching at Northern Virginia Community College

In January 2009, Jill Biden began teaching English courses at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as an adjunct professor, becoming the first second lady to hold a paying job while her husband was vice president.

May 2009: Obama Announces Biden in charge of initiative

In May 2009, President Obama announced that Jill Biden would be in charge of an initiative to raise awareness about the value of community colleges.

2009: Appointment as Full-Time Faculty at NOVA

In Fall 2009, Jill Biden received a two-year appointment as a full-time faculty member at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). She maintained a normal presence, sharing a cubicle, holding office hours, and teaching English and writing composition courses two days a week, while also trying to keep her Secret Service detail unobtrusive.

January 2010: Commencement Speech at University of Delaware

In January 2010, Jill Biden gave the commencement speech at the University of Delaware's winter commencement.

August 2010: Appearance on Army Wives

In August 2010, Jill Biden appeared as herself in an episode of Lifetime's "Army Wives" TV-show, to raise awareness of military families.

Loading Video...

April 2011: Founded Joining Forces Initiative

In April 2011, Jill Biden and Michelle Obama founded a national initiative, Joining Forces, to showcase the needs of U.S. military families.

September 2011: Supported USAID's FWD Campaign

In September 2011, Jill Biden lent her support to USAID's FWD campaign, promoting awareness of the famine, war, and drought affecting people in the Horn of Africa.

2011: Permanent Position as Associate Professor at NOVA

In Fall 2011, Jill Biden was granted a permanent position as an associate professor at NOVA. Despite her high-profile role as Second Lady, she continued teaching three English and writing composition courses two days per week, trying to maintain a normal campus presence.

February 2012: "Community College to Career" Bus Tour

In February 2012, Jill Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis launched a "Community College to Career" bus tour. The tour's aim was to highlight the partnerships between community colleges and local businesses.

November 6, 2012: Re-election of Obama and Biden

On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama and Joe Biden were re-elected, marking the start of Jill Biden's second term as Second Lady.

2012: Modest Role in 2012 U.S. Presidential Election

During the 2012 U.S. presidential election, in which her husband was running for re-election as vice president, Jill Biden played a modest role. She continued teaching and made few solo campaign appearances, reflecting her distaste for politics and public speaking, despite being considered valuable for connecting with military families, teachers, and women.

January 2013: Start of Second Term as Second Lady

In January 2013, Jill Biden began her second term as Second Lady, continuing her involvement in supporting military personnel and families.

2014: Campaigning in 2014 U.S. Midterm Congressional Elections

During the 2014 U.S. midterm Congressional elections, Jill Biden campaigned for various Democratic candidates, including Mark Udall in Colorado and Michelle Nunn in Georgia.

2015: Teaching at NOVA in the Fall

In the Fall of 2015, Jill Biden continued to teach at NOVA, handling a full load of five classes.

March 2016: Welcoming Scott Kelly Back to Earth

In March 2016, Jill Biden led the official party that welcomed American astronaut Scott Kelly back to Earth after his near year-long space mission.

February 2017: Launch of the Biden Foundation and Chair of Save the Children

In February 2017, Jill Biden and her husband launched the Biden Foundation to pursue their shared causes. That same month, she was named board chair of Save the Children.

May 2017: Keynote Address at Milwaukee Area Technical College Commencement

In May 2017, Jill Biden delivered the keynote address at a commencement for Milwaukee Area Technical College.

July 2017: Keynote Address at California Teachers Summit

In July 2017, Jill Biden gave the keynote address at a California teachers summit, emphasizing the importance of communities supporting their teachers.

May 2018: Commencement Address at Bishop State Community College

In May 2018, Jill Biden delivered a commencement address at Bishop State Community College in Alabama.

February 2019: Address to Newport News Apprentice School Graduates

In February 2019, Jill Biden spoke to the graduating class of the Newport News Apprentice School, acknowledging their complicated life situations and responsibilities.

March 2019: Report on Jill Biden's Enthusiasm for Husband's Presidential Run

In March 2019, it was reported that Jill Biden was "enthusiastically" in favor of her husband, Joe Biden, running in the 2020 United States presidential election and was a key participant in his decision-making process.

April 25, 2019: Official Announcement of Joe Biden 2020 Presidential Campaign

On April 25, 2019, the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign was officially announced, with a headline in Town and Country magazine declaring that "Jill Biden Might Just Be Joe Biden's Greatest Political Asset".

May 2019: Publication of Memoir "Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself"

In May 2019, Jill Biden's memoir, "Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself" was published, focusing on family aspects rather than political content. She also did book signings to promote the work.

Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself

Check it on Amazon

2019: Reported Income and Increased Charitable Giving

By 2019, Jill and Joe Biden reported approximately $15 million in income since leaving the vice presidency, including $700,000 from Jill's speaking engagements. They also substantially increased their charitable giving during this period.

2019: Continued Teaching and Campaign Appearances

Throughout 2019, Jill Biden continued to teach at NOVA and made campaign appearances, emphasizing the electability argument in favor of her husband.

June 2020: Publication of "Joey: The Story of Joe Biden"

In June 2020, Jill Biden published the children's book "Joey: The Story of Joe Biden", portraying him as a brave and adventurous child despite having a stutter.

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden

Check it on Amazon

July 2020: Speaking Out on COVID-19 Impact on Education

In July 2020, Jill Biden spoke out about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and criticized U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

2020: Cancer Moonshot 2020

During 2016, Jill Biden was present with her husband on a listening tour for Cancer Moonshot 2020.

2020: Leave of Absence from NOVA and Online Teaching Training

In 2020, Jill Biden took a leave of absence from NOVA for the spring semester to campaign full-time and trained in online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She intended to resume teaching even if her husband was elected.

2020: Possibility of Her Husband Running for President

In 2020, Jill Biden was a key participant in the decision-making process about the possibility of her husband running in the 2020 United States presidential election.

2020: Joe Biden 2020 Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Jill Biden was considered Joe Biden's greatest political asset during his presidential campaign.

2020: Role in Vice-Presidential Selection and DNC Speech

In 2020, Jill Biden was heavily involved in the selection of Kamala Harris as the vice-presidential nominee. She spoke at the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention, drawing parallels between family suffering and the nation's plight. During the general election, she campaigned in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of women voting.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympic Games

In July 2021, Jill Biden visited American athletes at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and attended the Olympics opening ceremony.

2020: Observed effects of the 2020-2023 Horn of Africa Drought

Jill Biden visited Kenya in February 2023 to witness the devastating effects of the ongoing 2020-2023 Horn of Africa Drought.

January 20, 2021: Husband's Inauguration

On January 20, 2021, Jill Biden's husband was inaugurated as president. Jill became the first spouse since Barbara Bush to have been both Second Lady and First Lady, and the first since Pat Nixon to hold those roles non-consecutively. At 69, she was the oldest first lady to assume the position and the first Italian American first lady.

June 2021: Attends the 47th G7 summit

In June 2021, Joe and Jill Biden visited Cornwall in the United Kingdom to attend the 47th G7 summit. Jill Biden and the Duchess of Cambridge visited primary school students and participated in a roundtable discussion focusing on early childhood education. The pair also penned an op-ed that was published by CNN about early childhood care.

July 2021: First Solo Trip Abroad as First Lady

In July 2021, Jill Biden made her first solo trip abroad as the first lady, visiting Tokyo. She met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his wife, Mariko Suga, and Emperor Naruhito. She also visited American athletes at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and attended the Olympics opening ceremony.

September 2021: Return to In-Person Teaching

In September 2021, Jill Biden returned to in-person teaching at NOVA, highlighting the Biden administration's emphasis on returning students and teachers to physical schools. She remarked, "Thank God we all got off Zoom". Security was increased for her classes.

September 2021: Joining Forces Interagency Policy Committee Launched

In September 2021, the Office of the First Lady joined the U.S. National Security Council in launching the Joining Forces Interagency Policy Committee to secure proposals across the federal government to support military families.

October 2021: Campaign Speech for Terry McAuliffe

In October 2021, Jill Biden visited Virginia to deliver "last-minute stump" speeches for the Democratic governor, Terry McAuliffe, in his race against Glenn Youngkin.

October 2021: Visit to Vatican City and Rome

In October 2021, the Bidens visited Vatican City, where they met with Pope Francis to discuss world poverty and climate change. In the same month, the couple visited Rome to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. Jill Biden met with Serena Cappello, wife of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. She also visited the families of American troops in Naples.

November 2021: Joining Forces Launches Hidden Helpers Coalition

In November 2021, the Joining Forces program joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project in launching Hidden Helpers Coalition, an initiative designed to create supportive programming for 2.3 million children of wounded, ill, or injured service members or veterans.

February 2022: Community College Tuition Item Dropped

In February 2022, Jill Biden publicly acknowledged at the Community College National Legislative Summit that the free community college tuition item had been dropped from the Build Back Better bill, expressing her disappointment.

May 2022: Visits Ukraine and Meets Olena Zelenska

In May 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Jill Biden visited Romania and Slovakia to meet with Ukrainian refugees. She made an unannounced trip to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, and met with Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska. Biden stated the visit was to show the Ukrainian people that the United States stands with them.

February 2023: First lady visit to Namibia and Kenya

In February 2023, Jill Biden made her first visit to Africa as First Lady, traveling to Namibia and Kenya. While in Windhoek, Namibia, she gave a speech on democracy and women's empowerment. In Kajiado County, Kenya, she observed the effects of the 2020–2023 Horn of Africa Drought.

March 2023: Women's History Month Event

In March 2023, Jill Biden hosted a Women's History Month event calling on men to step up and protect women's rights. She also hosted the International Women of Courage Award ceremony.

May 2023: Traveled more than the Vice President or Second Gentleman

By May 2023, Jill Biden had traveled more than her husband, the Vice President, or the Second Gentleman, highlighting her active role and engagement in various events and initiatives.

May 2023: Attended coronation of Charles III and Camilla

In May 2023, Jill Biden, along with her step-granddaughter Finnegan, represented the American government at the coronation of Charles III and Camilla. This marked the first time a First Lady attended a British coronation.

June 2023: Attended wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan

In June 2023, Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley attended the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif. Also in June 2023, she visited Egypt, Morocco and Portugal to highlight her advocacy for youth empowerment and arts.

July 2023: Speech at UNESCO in Paris

In July 2023, Jill Biden visited Paris to deliver a speech marking the official return of the United States to UNESCO.

October 2023: Girls Leading Change Celebration

In October 2023, Jill Biden, along with the White House Gender Policy Council, hosted the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration to recognize the impact young women are having on their communities.

November 2023: Meeting with Maria Shriver

In November 2023, Jill Biden met with Maria Shriver, a women's health advocate, which led to the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research.

February 2024: White House Initiative on Women's Health Research Announced

In February 2024, Jill Biden announced the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research, a $100 million federal funding project led by the first lady and the White House Gender Policy Council.

July 2024: Led American delegation at 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris

In July 2024, Jill Biden led the American delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. She also visited American athletes at an Olympic training center in Paris.

October 2024: Led American delegation to inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum

In October 2024, Jill Biden headed the American delegation to attend the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as president of Mexico.

October 2024: White House Public Tour Upgrade Unveiled

In October 2024, Jill Biden unveiled the upgraded White House public tour, featuring digital elements, historical context, and insights into past presidents and their families, after a two-year, $5 million revamp.

December 2024: Finished final class at Northern Virginia Community College

In December 2024, Jill Biden announced that she had finished the semester and had "taught ... my final class ever at Northern Virginia Community College."

December 2024: Final foreign trip as first lady

In December 2024, Jill Biden made her final foreign trip as First Lady, visiting Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and France. In Italy, she visited US military personnel and her family's ancestral hometown. In the UAE, she toured the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and attended the Milken Institute's Middle East and Africa Summit. In Qatar, she visited educational and health institutions and attended a dinner banquet at Al-Wajba Palace. After Qatar, she and her daughter Ashley attended the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

April 2025: Chair of Women's Health Network initiative

In April 2025, it was announced that Jill Biden was taking on the position of chair of a new Women's Health Network initiative with the Milken Institute.

June 2026: Publication of memoir

Jill Biden's book "View from the East Wing: A Memoir" is scheduled for publication in June 2026 by Gallery Books. The memoir intends to discuss her feelings around the end of her husband's reelection campaign in 2024.