Their nikah and engagement party took place in Dubai, on a rooftop overlooking the Burj Khalifa. Surrounded by white roses and glowing city lights, it was described by their event designer, LMF Dubai, as “a floral installation set against Dubai’s dusky skyline.”
The New York Civil Ceremony
In February 2025, they made it official with a civil ceremony at the City Clerk’s Office in Lower Manhattan. One standout image from that day — a black-and-white shot of the couple riding the New York City subway — captured their essence perfectly: grounded, in love, and effortlessly authentic.
“Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama,” Mamdani later wrote online. “Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race — which should be about you — about her. Rama isn’t just my wife; she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.”
Who Is Rama Duwaji?
Born in Houston, Texas, Rama spent part of her childhood in Dubai before returning to the U.S. to study. She earned her bachelor’s at Virginia Commonwealth University and her master’s in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Her work — featured in Vogue, The New Yorker, The Cut, and BBC — explores identity, womanhood, and displacement, often centered around Middle Eastern women and themes of resilience.
On Instagram, where she has over 250,000 followers, her art blends activism and emotion. “Art has the power to speak when words can’t,” she said in a recent interview. “I feel it’s my responsibility to highlight injustice — whether in the U.S., Palestine, or Syria — through creativity and compassion.”
Beyond illustration, Rama is also a ceramicist, creating hand-painted blue-and-white pottery pieces that carry her distinct artistic touch.
The Quiet Force Behind the Campaign
Though Rama kept a low profile during Mamdani’s campaign, she had a major influence behind the scenes. She helped design the campaign’s visual identity — a striking palette of Metrocard yellow, Mets blue, and firehouse red — colors that became instantly recognizable across posters and social media.
“She’s been a huge part of how we communicate visually,” a campaign staffer said. “Even if she’s not on stage, her influence is everywhere.”
From Brooklyn to Gracie Mansion
Now, as the couple prepares to move into Gracie Mansion, Rama Duwaji becomes New York City’s First Lady — and notably, the first member of Gen Z to hold the title.
The internet erupted in celebration. “The first-ever Gen Z First Lady of NYC!” one user posted. Another wrote, “Rama Duwaji is redefining what it means to stand beside power — not behind it.”
Whether she chooses to continue her quiet creative path or take on a more public advocacy role, one thing is clear: Rama Duwaji represents a new kind of first lady — one rooted in art, empathy, and authenticity.
Together, Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji embody the spirit of a new generation — bold, compassionate, and unafraid to lead with love and purpose.
What do you think of New York’s new first couple? Do they represent the kind of change modern leadership needs? Share your thoughts below — we’d love to hear from you.