Naijla was born and raised in NC. She graduated from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a B.A. in Religious Studies and concentrations in Religion & Public Engagement and International Studies with a focus on the Middle East and South Asia. While at Wake Forest, Naijla was a leader in the Muslim Student’s Association and Interfaith Council. After graduating, Naijla pursued her interest in education justice work as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Education with the Pro Humanitate Institute at WFU. Prior to joining the Office of the Chaplain staff, Naijla was the Middle & High School Program Coordinator at Asian American LEAD, a nonprofit in Washington, DC that serves low-income Asian American youth. She is excited to be in this position as the Director of Muslim Life to be able to provide support for Muslim students, faculty & staff, and opportunities of engagement to the Wake Forest & Winston-Salem communities.

In her free time, Naijla enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, enjoying the outdoors and eating.