Teranga: Why belonging begins with welcome | Khady Gaye | TEDxThird Ward Salon

What if belonging is not something we wait to receive, but something we choose to create? In this powerful TEDx talk, Khady Gaye introduces the world to Teranga—a Senegalese concept that goes far beyond kindness. Teranga Is a way of leading, living, and connecting that transforms strangers into community and workplaces into spaces where people feel seen, valued, heard, and respected. Drawing from her personal journey across continents, cultures, and boardrooms, Khady challenges us to rethink what it truly means to welcome others. She shows that belonging is not a soft skill—it’s a human and leadership imperative for all of us, whether we’re managing teams, coordinating non‑profit programs, hosting community networks, or bringing people together at home This talk is an invitation to lead differently, connect more deeply, and discover how one simple act of genuine welcome can change lives, teams, and communities. Born and raised in Ghent with Senegalese roots, Khady Gaye is a multilingual HR leader with Master’s degrees in Translation and Human Resources Management. With more than 20 years of experience across 26+ countries, she now leads people strategy for the EMEAI region in a large airline company. Khady is a mentor, global speaker, and proud breast cancer warrior who embodies and promotes the Teranga spirit. She actively volunteers with organizations that support outreach and educational opportunities for underserved children This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx