What if the simple act of asking questions could help us repair the divisions in our society? United States Representative Abigail Spanberger describes how her experience of running for elected office in Virginia (after a career as an officer with the Central Intelligence Agency) prompted her to find new ways to seek out people with whom she might not normally interact — and ask questions that can help identify shared concerns and potential areas for collaboration.
U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, which comprises 10 counties throughout Central Virginia.

Representative Spanberger began her career in public service, first serving as a federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigating money laundering and narcotics cases, and then serving as a case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). As a CIA officer, she worked at home and abroad to collect vital intelligence, keep our country safe, and work in furtherance of our national security priorities. In the private sector, Representative Spanberger worked with colleges and universities to help them diversify their student bodies and increase graduation rates. 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