Rama Sawaf Duwaji is an acclaimed Syrian-American animator, illustrator, and ceramicist based in Brooklyn, New York. As the wife of newly elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, she holds the position of first lady-elect of New York City. Known for her evocative work exploring Arab identity, communal experiences, and social justice, Rama brings a unique creative voice rooted in activism and cultural heritage.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1997 in Houston, Texas, to Syrian Muslim parents originally from Damascus, Rama’s early years were shaped by rich cultural influences. At age nine, her family relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she spent her formative years immersed in the broader Arab world.

Rama pursued formal studies in the arts, beginning at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts cum laude in Communication Arts in 2019. She expanded her expertise with a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration as Visual Essay from New York City’s prestigious School of Visual Arts. Her academic background deeply informs her methodical and narrative-driven art practice.

Artistic Career and Style

Rama Duwaji’s work is distinguished by its focus on portraiture, movement, and the intimate nuances of sisterhood and community. Her art reveals layered explorations of Arab culture, identity, migration, and the intersections of personal and political. She often employs animation to breathe life into social justice themes, particularly related to women’s rights and Palestinian solidarity.

Her illustrations and animations have been featured prominently in major publications and institutions including The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern in London. Duwaji’s commitment to using art as a tool for resistance and conversation highlights her as a prominent voice in the contemporary Arab creative diaspora.

Rama also creates hand-built ceramics, where she merges her illustrative skills with pottery, producing handmade, illustrated plates. She shares these skills in ceramic workshops, blending traditional craft with modern narrative art.

Activism Through Art

Since 2023, Rama Duwaji has been particularly noted for her powerful visual commentary on ongoing geopolitical crises. Her works provide critical perspectives on the Gaza genocide and the Sudanese Civil War, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and challenge mainstream narratives.

Duwaji sees art as a medium not just for expression but as a form of archival resistance and refuge—a space for conversation and communal healing amid political turmoil. She prefers to craft art for audiences aligned with her values, fostering dialogue organically rather than expecting universal acclaim.

Role in Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign

While Rama maintained a low public profile during Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 mayoral campaign, her influence was felt strongly behind the scenes. She finalized the campaign’s visual identity, selecting bold iconography, color palettes, and typography that gave the grassroots movement its distinctive and modern aesthetic.

Her expertise helped shape the campaign’s social media presence and tone, contributing creatively to its narrative appeal to young voters and diverse New Yorkers. Despite offers for interviews and public appearances, Rama chose to remain private, a decision initially criticized by some opponents but respected by supporters who valued her agency.

Personal Life

Rama Duwaji met Zohran Mamdani in 2021 via the dating app Hinge. The couple quickly connected over shared values and creative sensibilities. Engaged in October 2024, they held a private nikah ceremony in Dubai that December, followed by a civil marriage ceremony in New York City in February 2025. The couple now lives in Astoria, Queens, within Mamdani’s legislative district.

Legacy and Influence

Rama Duwaji exemplifies a new generation of artist-activists blending cultural heritage and contemporary political consciousness. Her work not only enriches the American and Arab artistic landscapes but also advances important conversations about identity, migration, and justice through deeply personal narratives.

As New York City’s first lady-elect, she represents a break from traditional roles, standing as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and meaningful partnership in public life.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Rama Duwaji?

A1: Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-American illustrator, animator, and ceramicist based in Brooklyn, New York, known for socially conscious art exploring Arab identity and social justice.

Q2: What is Rama Duwaji’s connection to Zohran Mamdani?

A2: She is married to Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, and serves as the city’s first lady-elect.

Q3: What education does Rama Duwaji have?

A3: Rama graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

Q4: What themes does Rama Duwaji explore in her art?

A4: Her art explores Arab culture, communal experiences, women’s rights, Palestinian solidarity, and political resistance.

Q5: How did Rama contribute to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign?

A5: Rama designed the campaign’s visual identity, social media strategy, and helped craft its grassroots appeal while maintaining a largely private role.

Q6: Where has Rama’s artwork been featured?

A6: Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, Tate Modern, and VICE.