Rama Duwaji is a rising creative voice known for her distinctive work as an animator, illustrator, and ceramist. Her art has appeared in globally respected platforms such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, and Tate Modern, reflecting a career rooted in thoughtful storytelling and visual expression.
Beyond her artistic achievements, she has recently stepped into the public spotlight through her marriage to Zohran Mamdani, following his election as Mayor of New York City.
As she prepares to become the First Lady of New York City in 2026, this article explores her personal life, creative journey, family background, and the growing influence she brings to both art and public life.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Rama Duwaji was born on 30 June 1997 in Houston, Texas, to Syrian Muslim parents from Damascus. Her father works as a software developer, while her mother is a doctor. When Rama was nine years old, her family moved to Dubai, where she spent most of her childhood growing up across different Arab Gulf countries.
From an early age, she found comfort in drawing and was known for constantly sketching in her school notebooks. Although her parents encouraged her creativity, they also guided her toward balancing art with practical education.
After finishing high school, Rama studied Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, beginning at its Doha campus before transferring to Richmond, Virginia. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2019.
She later returned to Dubai and took part in international artist residencies in cities like Beirut and Paris. In 2021, she moved to New York City to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts, completing her degree in 2024, where her work focused on art, food, and community as shared human experiences.
| Full Name | Rama Sawaf Duwaji |
| Date of Birth | 30 June 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Husband |
Zohran Mamdani |
| Education | Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Visual Arts |
| Net Worth | $300,000–$600,000 |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter – Facebook |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Rama Duwaji has an estimated net worth of around $300,000–$600,000, earned through her work as an illustrator, animator, ceramist, commissions, publications, and artist residencies.
She was born to Syrian Muslim parents and has spoken openly about how her cultural and religious background has influenced her values and artistic perspective. In terms of ethnicity, Rama is Syrian Arab, with roots in Damascus, and she holds American nationality after being born and raised partly in the United States and the Middle East.
Personal life, Husband & Children
Rama Duwaji is married to Zohran Mamdani. The couple first met in 2021 through a dating app while Mamdani was serving in the New York State Assembly. They got engaged in October 2024, held a private nikah ceremony later that year, and officially married in a civil ceremony at New York City Hall in February 2025. A second celebration followed in Uganda in July 2025, honoring Mamdani’s roots.
As of now, they do not have children. The couple lives in Astoria, Queens, and is set to move into Gracie Mansion when Mamdani assumes office. With his election as Mayor of New York City, Rama is preparing to take on the role of First Lady of New York City in January 2026, marking a historic moment as the first Gen Z and first Muslim to do so.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Rama Duwaji is estimated to be around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and has a slim build, with her exact weight not publicly disclosed. She has dark brown hair, often worn naturally or in simple styles, and brown eyes.
Career Details
Rama Duwaji built her career from a lifelong love of drawing, which she has described as a source of comfort since childhood. After studying communication arts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, she graduated cum laude in 2019 and went on to deepen her practice through artist residencies in Dubai, Beirut, and Paris.
In 2021, she moved to New York City to pursue illustration as visual storytelling at the School of Visual Arts, earning a Master of Fine Arts in 2024. Her graduate work focused on food, community, and shared cultural experiences, themes that continue to shape her artistic voice.
Rama’s illustrations often explore Arab identity, everyday life, and social justice, with a strong focus on women’s experiences in the Middle East. Her work has appeared in major publications and platforms, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Tate Modern, Apple, and Spotify. In recent years, she has also created powerful visual pieces responding to major global humanitarian crises, using art as a way to document, reflect, and build awareness.
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