Childhood and Education Journey of Rama Duwaji in Timeline

Updated: March 23, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rama Duwaji, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rama Sawaf Duwaji is an American animator, illustrator, and ceramist known for her distinctive artistic style. Her work has gained recognition through features in prominent publications like The New Yorker and The Washington Post. Additionally, her illustrations have been showcased on various platforms including Vice, the BBC, Apple, and the prestigious Tate Modern, solidifying her presence in the contemporary art and illustration scene.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

June 30, 1997: Rama Duwaji's Birth

On June 30, 1997, Rama Sawaf Duwaji was born. She later became an American animator, illustrator, and ceramist.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Family Relocation to Dubai

In 2006, Rama Duwaji's family moved from Wayne, New Jersey, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following her mother's appointment at the local American Hospital. She spent the remainder of her childhood in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

2019: Graduation from VCU School of the Arts

In 2019, Rama Sawaf Duwaji obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, after attending classes at the school's Doha, Qatar campus during her freshman year, and then transferring to the main campus in Richmond, Virginia.

2021: Met Zohran Mamdani on Hinge

In 2021, Rama Duwaji met Zohran Mamdani on the dating app Hinge.

2021: Moved to New York to study Illustration

In 2021, Rama Sawaf Duwaji moved to New York City to study illustration as a visual essay at the School of Visual Arts.

October 2024: Engagement to Zohran Mamdani

In October 2024, Rama Duwaji became engaged to Zohran Mamdani.

2024: Earned Master of Fine Arts

In 2024, Rama Sawaf Duwaji earned a Master of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts, with a graduate thesis focused on making and sharing dishes as a communal act.

February 2025: Civil Ceremony Marriage to Zohran Mamdani

In February 2025, Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani had a civil ceremony at New York City Hall.

July 2025: Ceremony in Uganda

In July 2025, Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani had a wedding ceremony in Uganda, Mamdani's birth country.

January 12, 2026: Moved into Gracie Mansion

On January 12, 2026, Rama Duwaji and her husband, Zohran Mamdani, moved into Gracie Mansion after he took office as mayor.

January 2026: Became First Lady of New York City

In January 2026, Rama Duwaji became the first lady of New York City, following her husband's inauguration as mayor, making her the first Gen Z-er and the first Muslim to assume the role.