Inside the Life of Rama Duwaji: From Brooklyn Studio to New York City’s First Lady

Rama Duwaji’s artistry has always been her quiet language — a form of storytelling that speaks to migration, identity, and community. Long before she became New York’s First Lady, she was already carving her own place in the global art scene. Her illustrations have appeared in major outlets such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, and Tate Modern, each piece carrying the hallmarks of her Syrian roots and emotional depth.
In 2024, Duwaji completed her Master of Fine Arts in Illustration as a Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts. Her thesis project, titled “Sahtain!” — Arabic for “bon appétit” — explored the role of food as a bridge between cultures and memories. Riccardo Vecchio, chair of her graduate program, praised her as “very focused on her work,” highlighting her dedication to representing voices often overlooked in Western art.
Duwaji also teaches creative workshops, mentoring emerging artists in Brooklyn and abroad. Though she often shuns media attention, her growing influence is undeniable — particularly now that her husband’s political victory has catapulted her into one of the city’s most visible roles.
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s own story mirrors her quiet determination. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he immigrated to Queens at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College, he first worked as a housing counselor before entering politics. His message of equity and dignity propelled him from local activist to history-making mayor — the first South Asian, the first Ugandan, and one of the few Muslim men to hold the position in New York City’s history.
On social media, fascination with the new couple has reached fever pitch. “Rama is easily the most stunning First Lady in NYC’s history,” one user wrote. Others echoed the sentiment: “Wow, she gives such Princess Diana vibes,” and “Rama is giving First Lady!!! So poised!”
Still, those who know her best say Duwaji’s grace lies in her refusal to chase the spotlight. Whether she steps fully into the public role or continues her quiet creative life, her story — grounded in heritage, humility, and art — marks a refreshing redefinition of what it means to be a First Lady in America’s largest city.