Who is Zohran Mamdani’s wife? Rama Duwaji Biography, Age, Net Worth, Children

Rama Duwaji is an emerging name in the worlds of illustration, animation and ceramics—and increasingly in public life.

Born in Houston, Texas to Syrian immigrant parents, raised partly in Dubai, educated in the U.S., and based in Brooklyn, New York, she blends artistic exploration with cultural and political themes.

Her story is compelling—not just for her creative work but also for her growing public role. In this biography we will explore her early life, education, career, personal life and what lies ahead.

Early Life & Background

Rama Duwaji was born in Houston, Texas in June 1997 (or thereabouts) to Syrian Muslim parents originally from Damascus. When she was nine years old her family moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she spent part of her childhood. Growing up between cultures—Texas, the Gulf region, the Syrian diaspora—has deeply influenced her worldview and later her art. According to sources, she often doodled and drew in textbooks as a child, finding solace in art.

Education

Rama attended high school in Dubai and then moved for her undergraduate studies. She enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where she studied Communication Design / Arts. Her freshman year was at the Qatar campus, then she transferred to VCU’s main campus in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated in 2019 with a BFA cum laude. She later pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York and completed it in 2024.

Artistic Career

Rama Duwaji is best known as an illustrator and animator based in Brooklyn, New York. Her website notes: “Using drawn portraiture and movement, Rama examines the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences.” Her work has been featured or collaborated with prominent organisations including The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Tate Modern, Spotify, VICE and more.

Much of her artistic output explores themes of identity, migration, womanhood, Arab culture, and political resistance (especially relating to the Middle East). Additionally, she works in ceramics and hand-built pottery as another medium of creative expression.

Public Recognition & Rising Profile

While much of her work has been in the art world, Rama’s profile grew significantly when her partner, Zohran Mamdani, ran for and later succeeded in the New York City mayoral race. Her own story started attracting attention as part of the public narrative. Her background, cultural heritage, and artistic voice all contribute to a compelling public persona.

Personal Life & Marriage

Rama and Zohran met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. They got engaged in late 2024, held a nikah ceremony, and then a civil wedding in early 2025 in New York. Their relationship became part of media attention as Zohran made history, and Rama was thrust into a slightly more visible role—though she has maintained her own identity as an artist.

What Lies Ahead

With Zohran’s election, Rama is poised to assume the role of “First Lady” of New York City (effective January 2026)—bringing with her a creative lens, cross-cultural background and voice rooted in feminist and diasporic experience. Her work as an artist and her public role may converge as she chooses how publicly active she wants to be in civic life.

Impact & Significance

Rama Duwaji’s life and career reflect several contemporary themes: diaspora and identity, female representation in art, the intersection of art and activism, and navigating public role while remaining authentic. Her ability to merge creative practice with meaningful themes gives her story resonance beyond the usual “artist biography.”

FAQs

Q1: What nationality is Rama Duwaji?

She is Syrian-American—born in the U.S. (Texas) to Syrian immigrant parents, raised partly in Dubai, now based in Brooklyn, New York.

Q2: What kind of art does she do?

She works primarily as an illustrator and animator; her work often focuses on drawn portraiture, movement, communal experience, and political identity. She also works in ceramics/pottery.

Q3: What are some of her notable clients or collaborators?

Her work has appeared in or been done for The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, Tate Modern, among others.

Q4: How did she and Zohran Mamdani meet?

They met on the dating app Hinge in 2021.

Q5: Will she be the First Lady of New York City?

Yes—she is set to assume that role starting January 1, 2026, following Zohran’s election.

Conclusion

Rama Duwaji stands at an interesting intersection of art, culture, identity and public role. From her early roots in Texas and Dubai to an accomplished creative career in New York, she has built a body of work that speaks to displacement, community and female experience. As she steps into the more visible sphere of civic life, her story will likely inspire many, especially those navigating multiple cultures or seeking to merge creativity with purpose. Her biography reminds us that an artist’s voice can be both deeply personal and publicly relevant—and that the journey behind the art can matter just as much as the art itself.