Rama Duwaji’s story tells us that when passion is paired with purpose, you can move mountains. She has turned her dreams into achievable milestones. From doodling in her textbooks to building a practical career in artistry, her works have always been a symbol of personal experiences.
But did you know that from 2026, Rama Duwaji is going to be the first lady of NYC? To be precise, the first Gen Z First Lady! Ahead, we have shared more such amazing life facts about her that only a few know.
So, read on till the end to know the secrets of how Rama captured the attention of millions.
Table of Contents
Brief Wiki
| Facts | Bio Details |
| Real Name | Rama Sawaf Duwaji (راما دوجي) |
| Industry Name | Rama Duwaji |
| Date of Birth | 30th June, 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birth Place | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Current Residence | Astoria, Queens |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Profession | Animator, Illustrator |
| Net Worth | Around $200K to $400K [as of 2025] |
| Status | Married |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
10 Interesting Facts on Rama Duwaji & Her Talent
Rama Duwaji is not your typical artist. She is a storyteller who bridges between cultures. The facts below reveal the true essence of her brilliance and the soul behind her stunning creations:
1. Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani: Digital Match
Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani first met on a dating app, Hinge. Their story is compelling yet normalcy. Two ambitious, purpose-driven individuals meet through modern technology and gradually build connections.
2. A Cross-Cultural Childhood That Shapes Her Art
Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Dubai, Rama grew up immersed in a diverse range of cultures. The multicultural upbringing has a great influence on her true identity and career explorations. From the age of nine, she grew up in the Persian Gulf of the Arab States.
3. A Ceramic Storyteller Beyond Canvas
Most of us know Rama Duwaji as a digital illustrator. However, she has expanded her artistic brilliance beyond the canvas. Rama hand-crafts ceramic plates that tell a different story. Unlike her digital, pixelated works, her ceramic creations convey the intimacy of handmade creation.
4. Wearing Her Identity- Literally!
On election night, when Rama Duwaji stepped into the public eye as Zohran Mamdani wife and New York City’s new First Lady, she didn’t really need a speech to introduce herself. Her outfit did all the talking. She wore a custom ensemble by Zeid Hijazi (a Palestinian-Jordanian designer).
The dress featured laser-etched denim and traditional tatreez embroidery, a nearly century-old Palestinian cross-stitch art passed down through generations of women. It was more than a fashion piece but a political and cultural declaration.
5. Featured by Global Icons of Culture
There is a wise saying that “when art speaks truth, the world listens”. Yes, Rama Duwaji’s work has really done that. Some of the most respected cultural giants, like The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, and Tate Modern, have graced her illustrations.
6. Art as a Form of Activism & Exploring Sisterhood
The Duwaji art style serves as a voice against injustice and in support of women’s rights. She addresses themes like identity, migration, and the recent Gaza crisis. She has positioned her illustrations as both socially powerful and visually stunning.
Not only that, but what we often miss is how seamlessly each of her works celebrates female connection and communal experiences together. Essentially, Rama Duwaji animation captures the real essence of sisterhood and shared emotions.
7. “Saḥṭain!” The Visual Essay on Culture and Food
“Saḥṭain!” is an Arabic phrase that translates to “two healths to you” or “bon appétit”. Rama Duwaji transferred this simple expression into one of her profound artistic projects. She considered this her graduation thesis at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Unlike traditional “Saḥṭain!”, her art form is about what food represents: memory and the shared warmth of culture. She has transformed her cultural rituals into a path of emotion and history.
8. The Creative Force Behind a Political Campaign
When Rama Duwaji husband Zohran Mamdani became a rising political voice in New York, her artistic intuition gave his political campaigns a soul. Behind every speech, rally, and poster, Duwaji created a visual rhythm that connected people.
9. Blue-and-White Legacy: A Tribute to Heritage
When you first see Rama Duwaji blue and white ceramic plates, they may remind you of antique Delftware or Ottoman tiles. However, her ceramic works represent Islamic geometry. If you take a closer look at the lines, each motif and curve symbolizes the fusion of heritage and memory.
10. A Coveted Artist Residency Winner
After completing her MFA, Rama was chosen fr a highly selective artist residency in the Catskill Mountains of New York from over 500 global applicants. For several weeks, she immersed herself in nature and the mountains. This is where her organic form of animation and sculpture began.
Making A Mark That Inspires Thousands!
Rama Duwaji is not just Zohran Mamdani wife or the first Gen Zl lady of NYC. She is the bridge between Islamic roots and the modern world. Her illustrations and animations teach us that art is not what we see. It is what we feel, remember, and fight for.
She is an inspiration to all Syrian women, fighting for their own rights as well as those of women everywhere. She is asking us to look more closely, think deeper, and find the truth that connects us all.
So, be thoughtful and be fearless! Stick with us to know more such inspiring stories of brave, talented individuals!
FAQs
Is Rama Duwaji muslim?
Yes. Rama Duwaji is a Shia Muslim, and her parents are from Syria.
How and when did Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani meet?
In 2021, Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani met through a dating app, Hinge.
What is the primary theme of Rama Duwaji’s art?
The main themes of Rama Duwaji’s illustrations are Arab identity, Islamic culture, communal experiences, sisterhood, and social justice. She represents her artistic themes through digital media and hand-crafted ceramic pieces.
Is Rama Duwaji going to be a public figure like her politician husband?
Yes. There are credible indications that Rama Duwaji is becoming a public figure, not just by supporting her husband but also through her own powerful works. However, there is no confirmation of her stepping into traditional political-spouse roles.
