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Entertainment • Influencer

Rama Duwaji

Rama Sawaf Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator, and ceramist of Syrian heritage.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rama Sawaf Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator, and ceramist of Syrian heritage. Based in Brooklyn, New York City, she has created work for major publications and institutions such as The New Yorker, Apple, and Tate Modern. She is also the wife of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and has served as the city's first lady since 2026.

Early life and education

Duwaji was born in Houston, Texas, on June 30, 1997. Of Syrian heritage, she studied communication arts at Virginia Commonwealth University and later earned a master's degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Career

Duwaji works across illustration, animation, and ceramics. Her clients and featured platforms have included The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, VICE, Spotify, and Tate Modern.

Artistic style and themes

Profiles describe her work as personal and socially engaged, with themes including diaspora, Middle Eastern identity, humanitarian issues, sisterhood, and community. She also creates hand-built ceramics and illustrated plates.

Public profile

Duwaji became more widely known during Zohran Mamdani's rise in New York City politics. After his 2026 mayoral victory, she became New York City's first lady.

Key facts

  • Rama Duwaji is an American artist of Syrian heritage, working as an illustrator, animator, and ceramist.
  • Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, and Tate Modern.
  • She was born in Houston, Texas, on June 30, 1997.
  • She studied at Virginia Commonwealth University and the School of Visual Arts.
  • She married Zohran Mamdani and became first lady of New York City in 2026.
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Canadian context

No direct Canadian connection is established in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rama Duwaji?
Rama Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator, and ceramist of Syrian heritage based in New York City.
When was Rama Duwaji born?
She was born on June 30, 1997.
Where is Rama Duwaji from?
She was born in Houston, Texas, in the United States.
What is Rama Duwaji known for?
She is known for illustration, animation, and ceramics, with work published or displayed by outlets and institutions such as The New Yorker, BBC, Apple, and Tate Modern.
Is Rama Duwaji married?
Yes. She is married to Zohran Mamdani.
Does Rama Duwaji have a role in New York City government?
She is described as New York City's first lady after Zohran Mamdani became mayor in 2026.

References

  1. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2lg3z3z4zo
    Supports: Biographical details including Syrian heritage, New York-based career, and education.
  2. Rama Duwaji official website — https://www.ramaduwaji.com/about
    Supports: Self-described biography, artistic practice, clients, and Brooklyn base.
  3. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/nyregion/mamdani-wife-rama-duwaji.html
    Supports: Birthplace, education, move to New York, relationship history, and public profile.
  4. Hyperallergic — https://hyperallergic.com/in-the-studio-with-rama-duwaji/
    Supports: Artistic themes, media and institutional clients, and public attention after Mamdani's election.
  5. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/
    Supports: Basic biographical facts such as full name, date of birth, occupation, and role as first lady.