Rama Duwaji
Here is a biography of Rama Duwaji, wife of Zohran Mamdani, based on publicly available information:
Early Life & Background
- Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-American artist based in Brooklyn, New York.
- She is ethnically Syrian; according to reports she was born in Texas and her family moved to Dubai when she was younger.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic she spent time with family in Dubai; she later moved to New York around 2021.
Education & Career
- Duwaji holds a BFA in Communication/Design (or similar) from Virginia Commonwealth University.
- She also earned an MFA in Illustration (or Visual Essay) from School of Visual Arts in New York.
- Her artistic practice spans illustration, animation, and ceramics.
- Duwaji’s works often explore themes of Arab identity, communal experience, women’s rights, social justice, and Middle East-related issues (for example, her work has referenced Gaza, immigration, and cultural narratives).
- She has collaborated with or had her work featured by outlets and institutions such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, the BBC, Tate Modern, Apple and Spotify.
Relationship & Marriage
- Rama met Zohran Mamdani via the dating app Hinge in or around 2021.
- The couple became engaged in October 2024.
- They were married in a civil ceremony at New York City Hall in early 2025 (February) and also had a celebration in Uganda in July 2025.
Public Role & Significance
- With Zohran Mamdani’s ascent in politics (notably his campaign for NYC mayor), Rama has drawn attention as his spouse—but she continues to ground her identity in her own artistic career. Mamdani publicly acknowledged her during his victory speech, calling her “the love of my life” and emphasising she should be known on her own terms.
- Although not always in the public eye as a campaign figure, her background in visual storytelling and art ties into broader cultural and social narratives relevant to the campaign and community.
Personal Notes
- While she is increasingly in the spotlight thanks to her husband’s public profile, Duwaji maintains a relatively private social-media presence. Her posts largely focus on her art and commentary rather than traditional “political spouse” visibility.
- Her artistic voice carries a distinct viewpoint—she has said: “These days, I focus on making art about my experiences and the things I care about…”
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