Najaa's life journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was born, but her formative years took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as she attended high school and college. Growing up, Najaa was deeply influenced by the arts, as her mother was a prominent cultural artist in the region, fostering a profound appreciation for creative expression.
It was during her time at Chatham College that Najaa discovered her passion for directing, which ultimately led to her graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1995.
Following her academic pursuits, Najaa embarked on a successful career as an arts educator, teaching drama, various forms of dance, and creative writing to both children and adults in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. Additionally, she worked as an arts administrator for many years, while simultaneously pursuing her own creative endeavors, including writing, directing, and choreographing productions.
In 2002, Najaa was accepted into Florida State University's Graduate Conservatory of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts, where she received the opportunity to direct the critically acclaimed actress Tyra Ferrell in her thesis film, Coochie, which premiered at numerous international film festivals. After completing her Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Production from Florida State University in 2004, Najaa co-founded NaRa Films, LLC, an independent film company, with Rasheed Jihad in 2009.
Today, as co-owner of NaRa Films, Najaa is dedicated to producing documentary and narrative films that tackle unique perspectives and topics often overlooked in mainstream culture, showcasing her unwavering commitment to creative expression and social commentary.
