Djamila was born in Afghanistan and lived in Pakistan for a couple of years before moving to the Netherlands with her family at the age of 10 as refugees. Her interest in clinical research began during an international research elective as medical student here at Vanderbilt, where she also obtained her MPH. Her research was primarily focused on the complications of sickle cell disease, including the neurological sequelae of sickle cell disease. During this time, she discovered her passion for child neurology.

Djamila is married to Matin who she met in Nashville, and they have a 3-year-old son together (Noah). They are also proud cat and dog parents of Keanu and Harley. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, eating, hiking, and traveling.