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Kemba Smith Pradia, Inspiration Speaker Managed
5
4 Review(s)

Kemba Smith Pradia

    • Criminal Justice Advocate and Author of Poster Child
    • Domestic Violence Survivor
    • Youth and Women's Advocate
Full Bio
In Person-Fee 🛈

$5,000 - $10,000

Virtual Fee:

Please Inquire

Travels From

Virginia

A Domestic Violence Survivor Helping Others

A Domestic Violence Survivor Helping Others

NAACP UN Panel on Voting Rights: Kemba Smith Pradia's Testimony

NAACP UN Panel on Voting Rights: Kemba Smith Pradia's Testimony

Kemba Smith Pradia Speaker Biography


Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation.

Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first-time, non-violent drug offenders, Kemba’s story was featured on a variety of television shows and in several publications. The support prompted then-President Clinton to commute her sentence in December 2000, after having served 6. 5 years in prison.

Today, Kemba is a wife, mother, public speaker, advocate, consultant, and author of Poster Child. She has worked with senior officials at The White House, the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Members of Congress, and has led trainings for Federal and State Probation organizations across the country. Corporations such as Verizon, Traveler’s Foundation, Proctor and Gamble, Bank of America, and Gulfstream have sponsored her speaking at events across the country. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her courage and determination as a motivational speaker and advocate. In 2019, Kemba was appointed to the Virginia Parole Board by Governor Ralph Northam and on January 14, 2022, she involuntarily separated from the State due to the transition of a new gubernatorial administration. Prior to her appointment, she served on the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and held the position of State Advocacy Campaigns Director with the ACLU of Virginia. Currently, she continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Virginia CARES, Drug Policy Alliance. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP.

Along with being an advocate for criminal justice reform, Kemba is the founder of her 501(c)3, The Kemba Smith Foundation. Ultimately, Kemba knows that there is a lesson in each experience in life, and she has embraced her experience, learned from it, and is now using that experience to teach others.

Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Pradia Story

Personal Responsibility: Today's Choices Are Tomorrow's Consequences

Overcoming Adversity

Domestic Violence, Self Esteem & Relationships: When "Love" Is Really Abuse in Disguise

American Drug Policy & Its Devastating Effects

Get Involved! Youth & Student Activism

Black History

The Power of Women

Kemba Smith Pradia shares her journey of being a college student, victim of domestic violence and mother sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Hear her story of strength and resilience, continuing the legacy of women leaders in the struggle for the betterment of our communities.

 

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Reviews

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October 10, 2022

Kemba Smith Pradia is knowledgeable, personable and inspirational. Her courage to continue sharing her most personal challenges in the carceral system and her dedication to making the changes necessary to help everyone still caught up in that web is remarkable. She made an impact at our Women and Justice Event and I can't wait to see the movie coming out!

Benedict Center

October 28, 2021

Kemba's story touched everyone who heard it. You could really tell she was speaking from her heart. I know her story has helped to change many lives. She has truly found God's calling in her life.

Bank of America

March 11, 2020

Kemba's presentation was heartfelt and compelling. Such an amazing woman!

Polk State College

October 23, 2019

Kemba was inspirational and spoke with passion and grace. I do appreciate her honesty and candor around difficult subjects!

Baltimore Teachers Union

Testimonials

We work with a lot of speaking organizations... Let me tell you - ESB is the best! Matt Meyer is by far the best agent to work with!

Warrior Rising
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