Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley (born Nimrata Randhawa, January 20, 1972) is an American politician and diplomat who served as the 116th Governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017. She was also the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2019. Prior to her election as governor in 2010, she represented Lexington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives for six years.

Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa in Bamberg, South Carolina on January 20th 1972 into a Sikh-American family with origins from India’s Punjab region. She graduated with honors from Clemson University and went on to gain experience working at Exotica International, a clothing store that her parents owned before entering politics full time after winning a seat in 2004 for the SC House representing Lexington County’s 87th district which included parts of Richland & Lexington counties . During this period Nikki made it her goal public service reform by voting against tax increases & corporate bailouts while leading successful efforts like ethics reform bills and supporting small businesses through cutting red tape regulations such as eliminating business license fees all together among other initiatives . This support earned her recognition when she won “Small Business Champion” awards twice during 2006 – 2007 legislative session .

In November 2009 , Haley announced that she would be running for Governor of South Carolina succeeding Mark Sanford who had been forced out due office misconduct charges following his high profile affair scandal becoming one of three female candidates competing alongside Andre Bauer & Gresham Barrett ultimately defeating them both securing 49% vote share beating runner up candidate Vincent Shaheen by just 4 percentage points making history being first woman elected governor state besting race record set Ulysses S Grant 1872 gubernatorial victory over incumbent Robert K Scott barely month later taking oath 27 th january 2011

After nearly 8 year tenure serving two terms back home Haley entered national spotlight again november 2016 when then president elect Donald Trump nominated ambassador united nations Washington Post reporting he had asked if could speak Hindi newly appointed envoy saying yes prompting him joking about expanding global reach india apparently impressed choice quickly confirmed Senate 94 7 votes favour considered extraordinary considering fact many republicans still holding grudges against haley 2012 gop primary season endorsed Mitt Romney instead trump hailing nomination “true honour” took charge mission new york implementing key role foreign policy agenda combating terrorism extremism human rights abuses Despite some controversies surrounding controversial statements North Korea policies situation Syria US withdrawal Paris agreement strongly defended american position international arena often clashing russian counterparts even tough times managed secure diplomatic relationships worldwide

Since leaving UN post returned serve private sector joining board directors Boeing company member audit financial risk committee april 2020 additionally signed book deal writing memoir revealing details behind personal career journey entitled ‘with all due respect my story america’ scheduled release 2021 Today 41st governor south carolina continues work causes close heart advocating children rights access education health care resources particularly those living lower income communities determined make difference lives people around world