India, Dec. 26 -- S yrian-American artist Rama Duwaji, who is set to become New York City's next first lady, has said she intends to maintain her individual identity and continue working as an illustrator after her husband Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as mayor on January 1. In an interview with New York Magazine, the 28-year-old said the sudden public attention that followed Mamdani's election forced her to confront how she is seen, often primarily as "Zohran Mamdani's wife" rather than as an independent creative professional. "I'm definitely not stopping that," Duwaji said, referring to her art practice, adding, "Come January, it's something that I want to continue to do." She admitted she initially struggled with media coverage that focused more on her marital status than her work. "I wasn't necessarily offended, but it was more the perception of being seen as someone's wife," she said, adding that early articles asked, "Who is Zohran Mamdani's wife?" rather than highlighting her career and achievements. Duwaji, who previously avoided media interactions during Mamdani's campaign, said she now hopes to use her increased visibility to highlight and support emerging artists in the city. "There are so many artists trying to make it in the city. using their last paycheck on material. I think using this position to highlight them and give them a platform is a top priority," she said. HTC...