Having gone from state legislature to Governor of South Carolina in a span of just six years, Nikki Randhawa Haley is being hailed as a rising star on the American political horizon.
Daughter of Punjabi Sikh immigrants from Amritsar, Nimrata Nikki Randhawa Haley (38) has become the first Indian-origin woman, and second Indian-American after Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, to become the Governor of a U.S. state. Another Indian-American Kamala Harris won the election for Attorney-General of California. Five other Indian-Americans, all Democrats, bit the dust in the face of an anti-establishment vote.
It has not been smooth sailing for Ms. Haley, mother of Nalin (nine) and Rena (12), as she had to overcome allegations of extramarital affairs and racial digs in her race for governorship. She fought a tough battle in the primaries and in the final run, receiving 52 per cent of the votes as against her Democratic rival Vincent Sheehan, who polled 46 per cent.
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| Nikki and Michael live in Lexington with their two children, Rena, 10, and Nalin, 7 |
Born-January 20, 1972 (age 38)
Bamberg, South Carolina
Birth name-Nimrata Randhawa
Nationality-American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s)-Michael Haley
Children -Rena and Nalin
Occupation-CFO, Accountant
Religion -Methodist
Website nikkihaley.com
Early life, education and career
Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa in Bamberg, South Carolina on January 20, 1972. Her parents, Dr. Ajit and Raj Randhawa, are Sikh immigrants from Amritsar, India. She has two brothers, Mitti and Charan, and a sister, Simran. Haley attended Clemson University and majored in accounting and then joined the FCR Corporation (a waste management and recycling company) before joining her mother's business, Exotica International, an upscale clothing firm in 1994. The family business grew to a multi-million dollar company.
Haley was named to the Board of Directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce in 1998. She was named to the Board of Directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2003. Haley became treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2003 and president in 2004. She chaired the Lexington Gala to raise funds for the local hospital. She also serves on the Lexington Medical Foundation, Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation, West Metro Republican Women, President of the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chairman for 2006 Friends of Scouting Leadership Division campaign and is a member of the Rotary Club in Lexington.