UPDATE: In a groundbreaking revelation, Mwangi Wanjau, a 28-year-old Kenyan immigrant, has returned to using his birth name in the workplace after initially adopting the name “James” to secure employment in Canada. This decision marks a pivotal moment in his journey, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with non-Western names in the job market.
Wanjau moved from Kenya to Canada in 2016 and struggled to fit in. Feeling like an outsider, he changed his name on his résumé to “James M. Wanjau” to increase his chances of landing a job. Despite the initial success, landing a role as an admissions and awards coordinator in May 2024 at the university he graduated from, he felt a disconnect between his professional and personal identity.
“I felt like two different people,” Wanjau explained. While his colleagues knew him as James, his friends and family called him Mwangi. This duality forced him to navigate his life with a divided identity.
In late 2023, after struggling to find a professional position, Wanjau returned to using “James” on job applications based on advice from a barber who had witnessed the challenges he faced. “It was disheartening,” Wanjau admitted, sharing that he felt his African-sounding name hindered his job prospects.
He experienced a notable increase in interview invitations after reverting to “James,” stating, “Recruiters remembered my name, and it just rolled off their tongues.” However, this success came at the cost of his sense of self.
After reflecting on his experience, Wanjau decided to embrace his true identity, Mwangi, again. “I realized I didn’t feel like I could be myself at work,” he said, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the workplace.
In Spring 2025, Wanjau started introducing himself as Mwangi, despite the difficulties that came with it. His choice to reclaim his name represents a broader movement towards diversity and inclusion in workplaces across Canada and beyond.
“I completely understand why someone might feel they need to adjust their name to get their foot in the door,” he noted, but he also recognized that true change requires individuals to embrace their identities.
The impact of Wanjau’s story resonates with many who have navigated similar challenges. His journey reflects a growing conversation about the significance of names and identity in professional settings.
As Wanjau continues to advocate for authenticity in the workplace, he hopes others will feel empowered to do the same. His experience serves as a reminder that embracing one’s true self is crucial, even in the face of societal biases.
For those who have faced similar challenges, Wanjau’s story is a call to action to reflect on the significance of names and the importance of authenticity in the workplace.
Do you have a story about changing your name in the workplace? Contact this reporter at [email protected].
