As the chief diversity officer for a large organization, Jada Keye Hebra was used to traversing difficult terrains. Supported by the tools of her work, such as her goto, restorative practice, Hebra held people in their humanity no matter what. That is, until 2016 came her way and the political crevasse in her own home became one that seemed unpassable. She recounts this experience with humor and pain, and shares how an onthejob discussion opened her eyes to how she – and we – could find the way across our divides and why it matters if we do. 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'>https://www.ted.com/tedx Jada Keye Hebra is a learner, percolator, and mama bear. She works as Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Southern New Hampshire University where she advances work to improve educational outcomes for marginalized communities, open more pathways to upward social mobility, and drive deeper civic engagement for a healthy democracy. 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'>https://www.ted.com/tedx