In a world of consistently depressing news days, the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor really is a welcome relief. The 34-year-old socialist Democrat promises to transform the city and be “Trump’s worst nightmare.” His election also means New York City is getting its first Gen Z First Lady.
Rama Duwaji, Zohran Mamdani’s wife, is a Syrian-American 28-year-old illustrator and animator whose powerful work often deals with themes that span Arab culture, sisterhood and social justice. Her work has been published by the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, the BBC and the Tate Modern.
“To my incredible wife, Rama, hayati,” Mamdani said, using the Arabic word for “my life,” during his acceptance speech. “There is no one I would rather have by my side in this moment, and in every moment.”
So who is Rama Duwaji? Here’s what we know about New York City’s first Gen Z First Lady…
ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images
Read More
Rachel Zegler is rising on her own terms
As she is honoured as a 2025 Glamour Woman of the Year in the UK and the US, the Snow White and Evita star sits down with her friend, former costar, and legendary actor Helen Mirren.
Rama Duwaji is a Brooklyn-based Syrian-American who grew up in Dubai
Rama Duwaji was born on 30 June, 1997 in Houston, Texas to Syrian Muslim parents who hailed from Damascus.
She briefly attended the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar after her family relocated to Dubai, before transferring to the school’s Richmond, Virginia campus to finish her BFA in Communication Design. She moved to New York City in 2021 to pursue her artistic career.
Anadolu/Getty Images
Rama Duwaji’s work as an artist is nothing short of fascinating
As Mamdani said after their 2024 wedding, “Rama isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.”
Follow