Who is Rama Duwaji? Zohran Mamdani's pro-Palestine artist wife set to be first Gen Z New York City First Lady

Born in 1997, Duwaji, a Gen Z, remained absent largely but played the roles behind the scene when Mamdani ran from footpath to nightclubs as a part of his extensive outreach.

Though Rama escaped the media glares, her pro-Palestine stand had grabbed headlines often at par with Mamdani's faith.

Waiting to be the first GenZ First Lady of New York City, Duwaji primarily shaped Mamdani's social media campaigns, CNN reported.

Zohran Mamdani kissing his wife Rama Duwaji. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube video

She had also joined Mamdani for his appearance in Comedy Central's The Daily Show.

Described as 'aloof' by The New York Post, the 28-year-old is believed to be one of those who finalised Mamdani's brand identity when the campaign kicked off.

Who is Rama Duwaji?

Duwaji is an American illustrator, animator and ceramist, of ethnically Syrian origin.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, her upbringing included global exposure: though the exact details vary, she spent part of her early life in the U.S. (Texas) and has Syrian heritage. 

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

She then completed a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration at School of Visual Arts in New York City. 

Rama Duaji, who is set to be NYC First Lady. Photo: Rama Duwaji/Instagram

Her creative work spans multiple media: digital illustration/animation, and hand-made ceramics (notably illustrated plates) combining her illustration skills with pottery.

Her art has been featured by major outlets: The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Tate Modern, Apple, Spotify, and more.

Throughout his campaign, she mostly remained behind the scenes rather than a frequent public presence.

Her social-media and art work have at times become part of public discussion in the context of her husband’s political profile.