From Texas to Dubai, then to New York, Dougie was born in Houston, Texas, and moved with her family to Dubai at the age of nine. She studied arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar before completing her studies at the university’s branch in Richmond, USA. She then obtained a master’s degree in illustrative drawing as a visual essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her artwork has been published in several prominent global magazines, including ‘The Cut,’ ‘BBC,’ ‘Vogue,’ and ‘The New Yorker.’
Dougie met Mamdani in 2021 through the dating app ‘Hinge.’ At that time, Mamdani had been elected as a member of the New York State Assembly, something Dougie did not know at their first meeting. After years of relationship, they announced their engagement in 2024, celebrating in Dubai in December of the same year, and tying the knot in a simple ceremony at the Manhattan Lower Court in February.
Dougie expresses her political views through her drawings, addressing issues related to the Middle East, women, and the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Her work clearly shows solidarity with the Palestinian cause, featuring symbols such as the Palestinian flag and images depicting hunger and suffering. Lisa Burns, a media studies professor at Quinnipiac University, said, “What Rama publishes resonates with the issues her husband advocates for, and it seems her artwork will naturally extend his political speech rather than compete with it.”
In an interview with the art magazine ‘Young,’ Dougie explained that she dedicates her art “to those who care about what I care about,” adding, “In the face of marginalization and silencing of many due to fear, all I can do is use my voice to express what is happening in the United States, Palestine, and Syria.” Despite staying away from the spotlight of election campaigns, Dougie played an important role behind the scenes, offering advice on digital content management and campaign icon design, accompanying Mamdani at pivotal moments, including his vote in the primaries and victory speech.
So far, it is unclear what official role Dougie will play after her husband’s victory.
