At just 28 years old, Rama Duwaji is set to become the youngest First Lady in New York City’s history, following her husband Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the mayoral race. Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, publicly acknowledged his wife’s unwavering support during his victory speech, affectionately referring to her as “hayati,” the Arabic term for “my life.” Duwaji, a New York-based artist of Syrian descent, has gained recognition for her work that often explores Middle Eastern themes. Her art has been featured in prominent outlets such as BBC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vice, and London’s Tate Modern museum. Despite her husband’s rising political profile, Duwaji has largely remained out of the public eye, choosing to focus on her art and personal life. However, she played a significant behind-the-scenes role in shaping Mamdani’s campaign brand identity, according to CNN. Friends and acquaintances have described her as a modern-day Princess Diana, highlighting her grace and influence. Duwaji’s work often addresses political issues, including American imperialism, Israeli war crimes, and the plight of Palestinians, aligning with some of her husband’s policy positions. She has also used her platform to advocate for individuals like Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate facing deportation for his pro-Palestinian activism. Duwaji, who spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai with her family, believes in the artist’s responsibility to reflect the times and speak out against injustice. Her journey from a Texas-born artist to New York City’s First Lady is a testament to her resilience and commitment to using art as a medium for change.