Who Is Rama Duwaji? Meet The Syrian-American Artist Who Is Now First Lady Of New York City
New York City’s first-ever Gen Z First Lady turned the fashion world on its head during her first appearance at City Hall – we look into her most stylish moments and personal passions
The year began with Zohran Mamdani making history as New York City’s first-ever Muslim mayor, placing his wife, Rama Duwaji, in the spotlight as the city’s First Lady. From her very first appearance in 2026, Rama has sparked conversation in both political and fashion circles. For the public inauguration ceremony, she wore a creation by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej, nodding to her cultural roots with style. Later, for the midnight celebration, she bridged high fashion with sustainability by renting a Balenciaga coat from Albright Fashion Library and pairing it with borrowed shorts from The Frankie Shop. During these brief moments, Rama has already made a statement – one that is political and personal, and her journey as First Lady is only just beginning.
Here, Bazaar Arabia shares everything we know about Rama Duwaji…
Her role as an artist
Born on June 30, 1997, Rama was raised in Houston, Texas, until she moved to Dubai at the age of nine. She spent the majority of her childhood in the Middle East, developing her love for art within her multicultural background. Shaping her Syrian-American identity, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and later her Master of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York, in 2024. As an illustrator and animator, her work draws from lived experiences of diaspora, sisterhood, and cultural duality. While much of her practice exists in the digital realm, Rama often steps away from technology to create hand-built ceramics, bridging her passions for illustration and pottery. Her extensive skillset across digital illustration, animation, and ceramics is rooted in simple, bold line drawings and a witty visual language that carries powerful political weight.
She’s been with Zohran Mamdani since 2021
The couple first met on Hinge in 2021, shortly after Duwaji moved to New York to pursue her artistic career. Despite the Mayor’s role as a New York State Assembly member, the pair kept their relationship private for several years. Zohran then “hard-launched” his engagement in October 2024, posting a picture of Rama on Instagram, with the caption, “light of my life,” follwing a ring emoji. Their formal engagement celebration took place in Dubai, shortly after, creating a vibrant connection between their current lives and their grounding in the Middle East. Across social media platforms, the couple went viral, in admiration for their authentic cultural integration and their shared political values. Tying the knot in a private ceremony, Zohran eventually shared the news in May 2025 as he posted a series of photos with the caption, “three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk’s office”.
Her style & sustainability
As the First Lady of New York City, Duwaji redefines political dressing by prioritising conscious consumption over ownership and status. As a savvy shopper, she frequently wears thrifted or borrowed pieces, slowing down mindless consumption. Highlighting Middle Eastern talent, she is seen wearing pieces from Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej and Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi, where she opts for intentional, neutral palettes with a variety of patterns, necklines, and accessories. Rama has gained significant attention for her approach to fashion – merging unique personal style with a strong, quiet commitment to sustainability – and promoting independent, culturally-aware designers.
Becoming the First Lady of New York City
At just 28 years old, New York City’s youngest First Lady also makes history as the first Gen Z, and first Muslim woman to hold the role. Shying away from traditional expectations of political spouses, Rama reshapes the position through her artistic background and focus on identity, culture, and representation. As a Gen Z public figure, she brings an active and creative voice to the role – one that prioritises self-expression, cultural storytelling, and visibility over solely conventional duties. She supports her husband, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, through standard political appearances, but also by leveraging personal expression, fashion, and advocacy for diverse audiences as powerful tools of influence. Her work highlights her Syrian-American heritage and shines a focal point on humanitarian themes, which she explores through many forms of visual art.
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram /@ayatariqmua