Nikki Haley

ABOUT

Nimrata Nikki Haley, commonly known as Nikki Haley, is an American politician, diplomat, and author. She served as the 29th United States Ambassador to the United Nations from January 2017 to December 2018, appointed by President Donald Trump. Prior to her diplomatic role, Haley made history as the first female governor of South Carolina, holding office from 2011 to 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Haley has been a significant and influential figure in American politics, known for her advocacy on international stability and economic growth, as well as her firm stance on human rights issues.

BEFORE FAME

Nikki Haley was born on January 20, 1972, in Bamberg, South Carolina, to Indian parents Ajit Singh Randhawa and Raj Kaur Randhawa, who had emigrated from Punjab, India. Haley graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. She initially worked in her family's clothing business before venturing into politics, where she first gained political experience by serving on the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce. She was also active in the South Carolina chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she served as president.

TRIVIA

• Nikki Haley was the first Sikh and the first Indian-American to serve in a presidential cabinet.
• During her tenure as governor, she oversaw South Carolina's response to the Charleston church shooting and the removal of the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds.
• Haley has authored a book entitled "With All Due Respect: Defending America with Grit and Grace," detailing her experiences in politics and diplomacy.
• She publicly supported and endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election and later endorsed Marco Rubio in the 2016 Republican primaries before ultimately supporting Donald Trump.

FAMILY LIFE

Nikki Haley has been married to Michael Haley, a commissioned officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard, since 1996. Together, they have two children, a daughter named Rena and a son named Nalin. Haley's family upbringing and personal life have significantly influenced her public persona and political career. Despite the challenges of navigating cultural and ethnic diversity in the Southern United States, Haley's family has always been a source of strength and support.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout her political career, Nikki Haley has worked alongside numerous prominent figures. She has maintained a notable relationship with fellow Republican and former South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, she closely collaborated with then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and current Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Additionally, during her time in office, she developed a working relationship with international diplomats and leaders, including then-Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon and then-British U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

In summary, Nikki Haley's legacy in American politics is marked by her groundbreaking roles and her efforts to advocate for a strong and principled stance on both domestic and international fronts. Her career continues to inspire many, as she remains a pivotal figure in contemporary political discourse.