Kemba Smith-Pradia
Kemba Smith-Pradia is a nationally recognized advocate whose journey from incarceration to clemency inspires justice, resilience, and action.
Why book Kemba Smith-Pradia for your next event
- Kemba delivers a deeply human story that challenges perspectives on justice, accountability, and the lasting impact of second chances.
- Her lived experience and policy work connect audiences to real-world solutions on reform, leadership, and social responsibility.
- Audiences leave inspired to act with purpose, empathy, and courage in their personal lives and professional roles.
Non-binding request for Kemba Smith-Pradia
Criminal justice reform advocate, author, and powerful voice for resilience and change
Kemba Smith-Pradia is one of the most compelling voices in criminal justice reform, resilience, and advocacy today. A survivor of domestic violence and a former federal prisoner, her life story became a national catalyst for reexamining harsh sentencing laws during the height of the war on drugs. After receiving executive clemency following a widely publicized case, Kemba transformed her experience into a lifelong mission to create change. Today, she speaks with authenticity, authority, and clarity, challenging audiences to reflect, engage, and lead with purpose.
Kemba Smith-Pradia: A Voice That Changed the National Conversation
Kemba Smith-Pradia’s story captured national attention in the 1990s when she was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense connected to an abusive relationship. Her case became emblematic of the broader failures of mandatory minimum sentencing and the human cost of mass incarceration. After serving 6.5 years, she received executive clemency from President Bill Clinton, marking the beginning of a new chapter rooted in accountability, healing, and leadership.
Rather than allowing her past to define her limitations, Kemba used it to shape her purpose. Her journey stands as proof that growth, responsibility, and transformation are possible, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Advocacy, Policy, and National Impact
Since her release, Kemba Smith-Pradia has worked alongside civil rights leaders, criminal justice organizations, and policymakers at the highest levels. She has testified before Congress and the United Nations, contributing critical insight on issues including sentencing reform, clemency, reentry, voting rights, and the incarceration of women.
Her leadership extended into public service through appointments to the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and the Virginia Parole Board, where she served under Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam. In these roles, Kemba brought lived experience into policy discussions, helping shape fairer and more informed approaches to justice.
A Trusted Speaker for Institutions and Organizations
Kemba Smith-Pradia has been invited to share her story and expertise with corporate, academic, nonprofit, and government audiences across the country. Her work has been supported by organizations such as Verizon, Walmart, Travelers Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Gulfstream, and Capital One.
On stage, Kemba combines clarity with compassion. She speaks honestly about accountability while offering hope, making her message resonate with leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers alike. Her ability to connect personal experience with systemic insight makes her a powerful presence at conferences, leadership forums, universities, and advocacy events.
Author, Filmmaker, and Educator
Kemba is the author of the memoir Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story, a deeply personal account of her life, incarceration, and redemption. She is also the executive producer of the award-winning film KEMBA, which brings her story to a new generation and expands the conversation around justice and mercy.
In 2024, she was named an Equity in Action Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, where she continued her work at the intersection of education, advocacy, and impact. That same year, she led a national impact campaign tied to her film, reinforcing her commitment to lasting change through storytelling and engagement.
Leadership, Recognition, and Continuing Influence
Kemba Smith-Pradia’s work has earned her widespread recognition for courage, integrity, and service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP. Her voice continues to influence conversations on domestic violence, probation reform, prison education, and reentry.
On January 19, 2025, nearly 25 years after her release, President Joe Biden granted Kemba a full pardon an affirmation of her journey and the impact of her advocacy. Today, she continues to lead with authenticity, reminding audiences that every experience carries a lesson and that change begins when individuals choose to act.
Book Kemba Smith-Pradia for Your Event
Booking Kemba Smith-Pradia means bringing a speaker who speaks from lived truth and hard-earned wisdom. Her message challenges assumptions, inspires resilience, and encourages audiences to recognize their own power to be part of meaningful change. Whether addressing justice, leadership, or personal transformation, Kemba leaves a lasting impression long after the applause fades.
Keynotes
Keynote by Kemba Smith-Pradia:
Breaking Chains, Building Legacies: Kemba Smith Pradia’s Story of Strength
This keynote tells the extraordinary story of a young college student whose life was forever changed by domestic violence, poor decisions, and a devastating 24.5-year federal prison sentence. As a victim of abuse and a mother, her story gained national attention and later clemency, becoming a powerful symbol of resilience, justice, and redemption.
Today, she continues to inspire audiences by sharing hard-earned lessons on the consequences of choices, the importance of self-worth, and the power of transformation. Her voice carries forward the legacy of women leaders who have fought tirelessly for justice, equity, and community progress.
Through this keynote, audiences gain not only a deeply moving story but also practical insights into resilience, advocacy, and leadership that they can apply in their own personal and professional lives.
Audience takeaways:
Recognize how resilience and personal responsibility can turn life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.
Learn strategies to build stronger communities by fostering inclusion, empowerment, and awareness of social justice issues.
Leave inspired with actionable tools to embrace authenticity, overcome adversity, and drive meaningful change in both personal and organizational contexts.
Kemba Smith: From College Student, To Prisoner, To Criminal Justice Advocate! | America In Black
Watch Kemba Smith-Pradia in action!
NAACP UN Panel on Voting Rights: Kemba Smith Pradia's Testimony
Watch Kemba Smith-Pradia in action
A Domestic Violence Survivor Helping Others
Watch Kemba Smith-Pradia in action
