admin
The Story of Rama Duwaji: The Artist Beside NYC’s Groundbreaking Politician Zohran Mamdani
When New York celebrated one of its most inspiring political wins, all eyes were on Zohran Mamdani — a young, dynamic leader making history as one of the city’s first Muslim officials. But right beside him stood someone equally remarkable: his wife, Rama Duwaji, a talented illustrator whose art and story are just as powerful as her husband’s journey.
A Modern Love Story
Their story didn’t begin traditionally. In 2021, Zohran and Rama met through a dating app — a connection that quickly grew into something deeper. At the time, Zohran had just begun his work in the New York State Assembly, while Rama was developing her creative career in Brooklyn. What started as casual messages turned into long conversations, shared dreams, and eventually, love.
By October 2024, the couple announced their engagement with heartfelt joy. Just a few months later, in February 2025, they tied the knot in a simple and elegant civil ceremony at the City Clerk’s Office in Lower Manhattan.
From Texas to New York: Rama’s Creative Journey
Rama Duwaji was born in Houston, Texas, and spent much of her childhood in Dubai before returning to the United States. Her multicultural background became a major influence on her artistic voice — blending Eastern and Western perspectives with sensitivity and style.
She later earned her Master’s degree in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, a place that would soon become home for both her personal and professional life.
The Art That Speaks Volumes
Rama’s artwork has been featured in world-renowned publications like Vogue and The New Yorker. Through her illustrations, she explores identity, womanhood, displacement, and belonging — themes that resonate deeply with many who straddle cultures and continents.
A Couple Inspiring Change
While Zohran Mamdani works to bring political reform and representation to New York’s diverse communities, Rama continues to inspire through creativity and self-expression. Together, they embody a modern vision of love, partnership, and purpose — proving that behind every great leader, there’s often another kind of leader: one who changes the world through art.
