History of Rama Duwaji in Timeline

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.

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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.

2023: Created Works on Global Conflicts

Since 2023, Rama Duwaji has created numerous works about the Gaza genocide and the Israel–Hezbollah conflict, as well as artwork supporting the victims of the Sudanese Civil War.

October 2024: Engagement to Zohran Mamdani

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

October 2024: Posts "liked" before Mayoral campaign

In October 2024, Zohran Mamdani noted that Rama Duwaji's "liked" posts on Instagram were "liked" before he launched his mayoral campaign. These posts caused controversy in March 2026.

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.

2025: Helped Curate Visuals for Mamdani's Campaign

In 2025, Rama Sawaf Duwaji helped curate visuals for her husband, Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign.

2025: Posts "liked" before Marriage

In 2025, Zohran Mamdani noted that Rama Duwaji's "liked" posts on Instagram were "liked" before the couple married. These posts caused controversy in March 2026.

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.

March 2026: Controversy over Social Media Activity and Art

In March 2026, Rama Duwaji faced controversy for "liking" pro-Palestinian posts on Instagram and for illustrating a work by a Gazan resident in a collection by Susan Abulhawa. Her husband, Zohran Mamdani, distanced himself from Abulhawa's controversial statements.