When Marim Victor Wilson Habib Istafanos walks across the graduation stage next month at North Carolina Central University School of Law, she will carry more than a diploma. She will carry a story shaped by resilience, identity and a commitment to justice.
Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Habib Istafanos identifies as a Coptic Egyptian, a heritage she says is central to who she is.
“Coptic … refers to Egyptians Christians of pharaonic descent,” she said. “I always include it because it reflects both our religious and cultural identity—it speaks to who we are.”
At age eight, she immigrated to the United States with her family in pursuit of the American dream. While her father had owned a manufacturing business in Egypt, her parents found themselves working fast food jobs and rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
“We went from money never being an issue to living paycheck to paycheck,” Habib Istafanos said.
When Habib Istafanos was 12, her mother was struck by a car while crossing a highway in Clayton, North Carolina, leaving her with severe injuries and long-term physical challenges. With her parents as immigrants still navigating language barriers and the legal process, Habib Istafanos stepped into a role few children could imagine: she began advocating for her mother. She interpreted, attended mediation sessions, helped prepare legal documents and assisted with discovery.
“My American dream was shattered by what felt like an unjust legal system,” she said.
Rather than turning away, Habib Istafanos leaned in. A pivotal moment during high school would redirect her path.
Encouraged by her mother, who had seen an ad, Habib Istafanos applied for an internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at just 16 years old and got accepted.
“I didn’t even know what that was,” she said. “My mom just told me to apply.”
Working in the appellate division, Habib Istafanos found mentorship and inspiration among a group of accomplished women, many of whom were women of color.
“I was surrounded by amazing Black women who showed me you can be a woman of color in law,” she said.
Among those mentors was Dena J. King ‘06, an NCCU Law alumna whose influence would ultimately shape Habib Istafanos’ decision to attend the School of Law.
“NCCU is where they teach you not only how to be a lawyer, but a lawyer of color,” Habib Istafanos said.
After earning her associate degree from Wake Technical Community College and completing her undergraduate studies in psychology at UNC Charlotte, Habib Istafanos chose NCCU Law and quickly distinguished herself.
After participating in the Summer Start Initiative, she earned the highest GPA in her class during her first semester and has remained ranked No. 1 throughout her matriculation while also serving as the executive and managing editor of the North Carolina Central Law Review.
Beyond academics, Habib Istafanos found meaning through hands-on experiences, including the Juvenile Law Clinic, where she works directly with young clients.
“We’re not just trying to get the charge dismissed,” she said. “We’re showing them that their future doesn’t have to be limited by where they come from.”
She also served as a judicial intern for North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs.
Throughout her time at NCCU Law, Habib Istafanos said the sense of community has set the experience apart. “Here it’s very community and family-oriented, where everyone is supporting one another,” she said.
Now, as graduation approaches, she is preparing for the bar exam and considering a career in transactional law or labor and employment law — fields where she can help individuals better understand and exercise their rights.
“Knowledge is power,” she said. “Not knowing what to do is very common but knowing what to do is not common enough.”
As she reflects on her journey, Habib Istafanos remains grounded in her past and her purpose.
“I’m my mother’s wildest dream.”