Niki Ikahihifo-Bender, an accomplished intellectual property attorney, is widely recognized for her legal expertise as well as her marriage to NFL star Jordan Mailata. Born in December 1991, Niki’s life reflects a blend of intellectual prowess and personal success.
Her professional journey has seen her rise through the ranks in law, while her personal life remains in the public eye, particularly because of her high-profile marriage.
- Full Name: Niki Ikahihifo-Bender
- Age: 33 (as of 2025)
- Profession: Intellectual Property Attorney
- Husband: Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Social Media: Instagram: @nikiboo
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Personal Background
Born in Alaska, Niki grew up surrounded by a family deeply rooted in the medical field. Her parents, Thomas Bender and Talita Ikahihifo, both have medical careers, offering Niki a strong example of professional success. Niki embraces her Tongan heritage, which plays a significant role in both her personal and family life. She is married to Jordan Mailata, the NFL player who was born in Australia but also shares Polynesian roots.
Her life has been shaped by the cultural influences of both her Tongan heritage and her family’s dedication to professional excellence. Niki’s early life in Alaska gave her a unique perspective on life, balancing a career in law with a commitment to her community.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Date of Birth | December 1991 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Tongan-American |
| Husband | Jordan Mailata |
| @nikiboo |
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Educational Journey
Niki’s educational journey is nothing short of remarkable. She started her academic path at Mary Baldwin University before moving on to New York University (NYU) for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future career.
After completing her Bachelor’s, she pursued both a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master’s in Psychology from Duke University, a rare dual achievement that not only speaks to her work ethic but also to her intellectual capacity. Niki’s education provided her with a diverse skill set, blending law with an understanding of human psychology—an invaluable perspective for her career as an intellectual property attorney.
Niki Ikahihifo Professional Career
Niki’s professional career began during her time at university, where she interned at BP and Lane Powell PC. After graduation, she worked at the prestigious law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in New York. She later moved to Philadelphia, where she joined Ballard Spahr LLP as an Intellectual Property Associate.
Her career has focused primarily on intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Niki’s expertise in protecting the intellectual property of businesses and individuals has made her a highly respected figure in the legal community.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Career Highlights
- 2016: Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright
- Philadelphia: Intellectual Property Associate at Ballard Spahr LLP
- Specialization: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Love Story with Jordan Mailata
Niki’s love story with Jordan Mailata began in 2018, when they met by chance at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. At that time, Jordan was newly drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and Niki was in town for her father’s 50th medical school reunion. Their relationship grew over time, and they became a power couple balancing both their careers and personal lives.
Their relationship is built on mutual respect, shared heritage, and support for each other’s dreams. The couple’s story has captured the hearts of many, and they continue to inspire with their shared journey.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Wedding Celebration
After four years of dating, Jordan proposed to Niki in the same location where they first met—Reading Terminal Market. The couple’s wedding in July 2023 took place in Maui, Hawaii, and was a beautiful celebration of their love and cultural heritage. Niki looked stunning in an Oscar De La Renta gown as they exchanged vows in front of close family and friends.
Key Wedding Details
- Wedding Location: Maui, Hawaii
- Date: July 2023
- Dress: Oscar De La Renta gown
Supporting Each Other’s Careers
Both Niki and Jordan support each other’s professional achievements. Niki has been a constant source of stability for Jordan, especially as his NFL career took off. Jordan, in turn, has publicly credited Niki for being a grounding force in his life. Their relationship is not just about love but also about helping each other thrive in their respective careers.
During Jordan’s Super Bowl win, Niki shared a heartfelt post celebrating his achievement. Jordan, too, has acknowledged Niki’s role in negotiating parts of his contract while they were on honeymoon in Italy.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Family Relationships
Niki’s sister, Jade, is a remarkable individual, having graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class. Jade has also played an important role in the couple’s life, even helping with Jordan’s proposal. The bond between Niki’s family and Jordan is one of mutual support and respect.
While Niki and Jordan don’t have children yet, their strong partnership is built on the foundation of mutual respect, shared goals, and a desire for personal and professional success.
Community Involvement
Outside of her professional career, Niki is deeply involved in her community. In 2023, she served as a board member for the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance (PCA), an organization that advocates for children who are victims of sexual abuse. She and Jordan have also contributed to child advocacy programs, reflecting their commitment to giving back to society.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Travel and Personal Life
Niki and Jordan frequently travel together, exploring different parts of the world during the NFL off-season. From their adventures in Cambodia to Singapore and Australia, the couple values their time together and seeks to strengthen their bond through shared experiences. Their travels also give them an opportunity to connect with Jordan’s Australian roots.
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Social Media Presence
Niki maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she shares moments from her personal and professional life. Through her social media, followers get a glimpse into her travels, her life with Jordan, and her professional achievements.
Her balanced approach to sharing personal and professional moments has helped her connect with fans and supporters.
Context: Jordan Mailata’s Career
Jordan Mailata’s journey to the NFL is one of the most inspiring stories in sports. With no prior American football experience, he came from a rugby background in Australia and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jordan has since become a key player for the Eagles, known for his size, skill, and determination.
In an emotional moment after the Super Bowl, Jordan rushed to celebrate with Niki, underscoring how they prioritize their relationship despite their demanding careers.
Jordan’s Hidden Talent
While Jordan is a professional football player, few people know that he is also a talented musician. At their wedding reception, Jordan stunned everyone by singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” to Niki.
His musical talent has been showcased in other settings as well, including his appearance on The Masked Singer in 2022 as ‘Thingamabob.’ Music plays an important role in their relationship, further strengthening their bond.
Interesting Facts About Niki
- Niki speaks openly about her Tongan heritage.
- She had a beautiful Polynesian-themed wedding in Maui.
- Niki completed two degrees simultaneously at Duke University.
- She is a board member for the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Niki Ikahihifo-Bender do for work?
Niki is an intellectual property attorney specializing in patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Where did Niki and Jordan Mailata meet?
They met at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia in 2018.
What is Niki’s ethnic background?
Niki is of Tongan descent.
Where did Niki go to college?
She attended Mary Baldwin University, NYU, and Duke University.
Does Niki have any siblings?
Yes, Niki has a sister named Jade, who was the valedictorian of her high school class.
Is Niki active in any charitable organizations?
Yes, Niki is involved with the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance.
What year did Niki and Jordan get married?
Niki and Jordan got married in July 2023.
Conclusion
Niki Ikahihifo-Bender’s story is one of intellectual achievement, personal commitment, and professional success. She has managed to balance her career as an intellectual property attorney while supporting her husband, Jordan Mailata, in his NFL career.
Together, they are a dynamic and inspiring couple, not only thriving in their personal lives but also giving back to their community. Niki’s dedication to her profession and her values makes her a remarkable figure in her own right.
Chloé is a creative content writer who writes engaging articles about word meanings and deep interpretations.
