Meet Rama Duwaji: 10 Photos of Zohran Mamdani's Wife, NYC's New Mayoral Partner

Rama Duwaji is no stranger to attention, but becoming New York City's youngest-ever First Lady has placed her in an entirely new spotlight.

At 28, the Syrian-American artist and animator has captured the public's curiosity not only as the partner of newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani but as a creative powerhouse in her own right. Her artistic works, which blend activism and cultural storytelling, have appeared in publications such as Vogue, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post.

From Syria to the Streets of New York

Born to Syrian parents and raised in Dallas before studying in Dubai, Duwaji has lived across continents, a journey that deeply influences her art. She moved to New York City only four years ago, quickly embedding herself in its thriving creative scene. Her works span illustration, animation and ceramics, often focusing on themes of sisterhood, identity and the shared experiences of women.

She has collaborated with leading international brands and institutions including Apple, Spotify, the BBC and Tate Modern. Through her art, Duwaji explores how tenderness can coexist with resistance, often describing her work as a visual space for care and connection. 'Craft elevates the notion of care,' she wrote in one post, quoting designer Ryan Phyn.

Her Vogue feature titled 'The Cutter, the Sewer, and the Grommet Queen' drew praise for spotlighting the often-unseen labour of New York's garment workers. Sharing a glimpse of that project online, Duwaji wrote about the importance of 'labour visibility in a world that feels increasingly extractive and non-human'.

Behind the Political Campaign

While Duwaji prefers to remain behind the scenes, she played a notable role during Mamdani's mayoral campaign. According to reports, she helped shape the campaign's brand identity, from its bold colour palette to the clean typography that became instantly recognisable across the city.

Even as her husband faced intense debates with rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, Duwaji stayed focused on her craft.

During the final 2025 debate, she was seen hosting a ceramics workshop at Huda, a Levantine bistro in East Williamsburg. The restaurant later hosted a 'Zohran for New York City Watch Party,' reflecting how the couple's professional and personal worlds often intertwine.

Those who have worked with Duwaji describe her as calm, creative and grounded, qualities that have helped her navigate the pressures of public life. Despite the growing media attention, she has maintained a low profile, choosing to let her art do the talking.

Art, Advocacy and a Distinct First Lady Style

Duwaji's art often mirrors her activism. Her works have addressed political and humanitarian issues, including the ongoing conflict in Palestine and broader questions of imperialism and migration. These subjects echo many of Mamdani's own progressive positions, suggesting a shared worldview shaped by empathy and advocacy.

During interviews, she has spoken about the balance between creative work and emotional sustainability. 'Everyone I know is burnt out, including myself,' she said in one conversation. 'The only way to stay dedicated to a cause is to rest, to spend time with loved ones, and to find tenderness in small things. These moments of care are what keep a movement alive.'

Her words resonate with younger New Yorkers who see her as part of a new generation of political partners.

What It Means to Be First Lady

As the youngest First Lady in New York City's history, Duwaji is setting her own tone for the role. Unlike her predecessors, she brings an artistic and activist lens to public service, blurring the line between cultural influence and civic duty.

Mayor Mamdani has been quick to celebrate her individuality, writing in one post: 'Rama isn't just my wife; she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.'

With her background in global art and her commitment to social consciousness, Duwaji represents a different kind of leadership, one that values compassion as much as progress. As New York City begins a new chapter under Mamdani's administration, its First Lady stands ready to shape it not through politics alone, but through the enduring language of art.