More than 2,000 people celebrate Haley’s inaugural
The inaugural of Nikki Haley was held at Columbia’s Colonial Life Arena. The floor of the arena was transformed into a giant tent. Centerpieces of white carnations decorated blue tablecloths.
Hours after being sworn into office, Gov. Nikki Haley thanked more than 2,000 people celebrating Wednesday night at South Carolina’s 95th inaugural ball.
“You’ve really inspired us to get to work quick, but tonight is all about having a good time,” the 38-year-old Republican governor told attendees after walking in to applause shortly before 9 p.m. “So, what I want to ask is, laugh a lot, enjoy your friends a lot, and have a great time, because this is all about South Carolina tonight.”
Haley and her husband Michael then kicked off a night of dancing to “She’s a Lady,” on a black-and-white checkered dance floor, played by the Headliners of Hilton Head Island.
The second song, played by the Mighty Kicks of Orangeburg, was “Celebrate Good Times.”
The state’s first female governor was dressed in a midnight blue, one-shoulder taffeta gown by Teri Jon, decorated with flowery ruffles along the neckline and a large flare. Michael Haley, who donned his National Guard uniform earlier in the day, wore a bow tie tuxedo.
Congratulations Governor Haley! Asiance is thrilled for you and you look beautiful in your Teri Jon gown!
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Nikki Haley is the proud daughter of Indian immigrants.
“You see, my mother was offered one of the first female judgeships in her native country, but was unable to serve on the bench because of the challenges of being a woman in India. Now she sits here today watching her daughter become Governor of South Carolina, the state she proudly calls her home. When you grow up with a mom like that, the word ‘can’t’ is not in your vocabulary,” Haley said.
Haley succeeds Mark Stanford (of Appalacian Trail fame), who has been South Carolina’s Governor for the last eight years.
The day started for Haley, who was born in a Sikh family, but later converted to Christianity, with a prayer service, during which she was asked to “be real and true” when she takes office to help restore trust in government.
Nikki Haley truly defines the Ultimate Asiance Woman! We will try to profile Governor Haley for a future cover story. She serves as an excellent role-model to the young women who follow Asiance and as an inspiration to young women everywhere!