Rama Duwaji
Definition
Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-American animator, illustrator, and ceramist born in Houston, Texas, in 1997.
She is known for her illustrations exploring Arab culture, social justice issues in the Middle East, and daily life, featured in publications like The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
Married to Zohran Mamdani since 2025, she curated visuals for his successful New York City mayoral campaign and will become the First Lady of New York City in January 2026, as the first Gen Z-er and first Muslim in the role.
Examples
Rama Duwaji's pottery classes are so popular, even the mayor-elect shows up with clay on his sleeves.
After swiping right on Hinge, Rama Duwaji illustrated her way straight to Gracie Mansion.
Rama Duwaji's chic style has New Yorkers forgetting subway delays in favor of sketching her outfits.
With illustrations in The New Yorker, Rama Duwaji proves First Ladies can draw more than just crowds.