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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Influencer

Rama Duwaji

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Rama Sawaf Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator, and ceramist of Syrian heritage, based in New York City. She became the city's first lady in 2026 after her husband, Zohran Mamdani, was elected mayor.

What it is

Rama Duwaji is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans illustration, animation, and hand-built ceramics. Her clients and platforms include The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, VICE, Spotify, and Tate Modern. She is also known as the wife of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Key details

Born in Houston, Texas, on June 30, 1997, Duwaji studied communication arts at Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a master’s degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work often explores themes of diaspora, Middle Eastern identity, humanitarian issues, sisterhood, and community.

Why it matters

Duwaji’s public profile rose alongside Zohran Mamdani’s political career. After his 2026 mayoral victory, she became New York City’s first lady, a role that brings attention to her artistic practice and Syrian-American heritage.

In short

  • Rama Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator, and ceramist of Syrian heritage.
  • She has worked with major outlets like The New Yorker, BBC, and Tate Modern.
  • She became New York City’s first lady in 2026 after her husband Zohran Mamdani became mayor.
  • Her art focuses on diaspora, identity, and community themes.
Canadian angle

No direct Canadian connection is established in the provided sources.

Quick 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.
Is Rama Duwaji married?
Yes. She is married to Zohran Mamdani, who became New York City mayor in 2026.

Sources

  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.