Nimarata Nikki Randhawa, stagely known as Nikki Haley, is an American politician and diplomat who has served in various high-profile roles.
She was the 116th governor of South Carolina, holding that position from 2011 to 2017. In 2017, Haley was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the 29th United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a position she held until her resignation in 2018.
Profile
- Full Name: Nimarata Nikki Randhawa
- Stage Name: Nikki Haley
- Born: January 20, 1972
- Age: 52 years old
- Birthplace: Bamberg, South Carolina, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Former Governor of South Carolina
- Height: 1.68m
- Parent: Ajit Singh Randhawa and Raj Kaur Randhawa
- Siblings: Simran Singh, Mitti Simran Singh, and Charan Randhawa
- Spouse: Michael Haley
- Children: Rena Haley and Nalin Haley
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $8 million
Early Life and Education
Nimarata Nikki Randhawa was born on January 20, 1972, at Bamberg County Hospital in Bamberg, South Carolina, United States. She was born to immigrant Sikh parents from Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Her father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, was a professor at Punjab Agricultural University, and her mother, Raj Kaur Randhawa, received her law degree from the University of Delhi.
Haley has two brothers, Simran Singh and Mitti Simran Singh, as well as a sister named Charan Randhawa. In 1994, she graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance.
Career
Nikki Haley began her professional career by working in her family’s business before eventually becoming its president. She also held leadership positions in various business organizations, honing her skills in the private sector.
Haley’s foray into politics came in 2004 when she was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she would serve for three consecutive terms. Her political career took a significant turn in 2010 when she became South Carolina’s first female governor, as well as the second Indian American governor in the United States.
Haley’s governorship was marked by her handling of the 2015 Charleston church shooting, which gained her national attention. She was widely praised for her leadership and compassionate response to the tragedy.
In 2017, Haley’s career took another pivotal step when she was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations by President Donald Trump. She made history as the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet.
After her tenure as UN Ambassador, Haley briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 election cycle, becoming the first woman to win a GOP primary. Although she ultimately did not secure the nomination, her campaign was seen as a significant milestone for women in American politics.
Currently, Nikki Haley remains actively involved in conservative advocacy through her political action committee, Stand for America, where she continues to promote her vision for the country.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @nikkihaley
Personal Life
Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has been married to her longtime partner Michael Haley since September 7, 1996. The couple celebrated their marriage with both Sikh and Methodist ceremonies, honoring their diverse religious backgrounds.
Together, Nikki and Michael Haley have two children:
- Rena Haley, born in 1998
- Nalin Haley, born in 2001
The family resides in Lexington, South Carolina.
Net Worth
Nikki Haley has amassed an estimated net worth of around $8 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to several lucrative ventures she pursued after leaving public office in 2019.
One significant factor contributing to Haley’s growing net worth is her book deals. She has authored two books, with reported advances totaling $350,000. These book deals have provided her with a sizable income stream.
Additionally, Haley has been actively engaged in the speaking circuit, earning an estimated $2.5 million over an 11-month period. Her expertise and experience in foreign policy and government affairs have made her a sought-after speaker, further boosting her financial standing.