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 Helpful 0
Kemba Smith Pradia
- Criminal Justice Advocate and Author of Poster Child
- Domestic Violence Survivor
- Youth and Women's Advocate
Travels From
Virginia
Kemba Smith Pradia Speaker Biography
Kemba Smith Pradia is a domestic violence survivor and nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform whose story of resilience and redemption drew national attention to mass incarceration and the war on drugs in the 1990s. Often described as the “poster child” for challenging the rise of lengthy sentences for first-time, nonviolent drug offenders, Kemba’s case was featured on numerous television programs and in major publications.
After being sentenced to 24.5 years for a nonviolent drug offense tied to her abusive boyfriend, she endured a highly publicized legal battle before receiving executive clemency from President Bill Clinton in 2000, after serving 6.5 years in prison.
Since then, Kemba has worked alongside civil rights and criminal justice organizations, The White House, state officials, and international bodies. She has testified before Congress and the United Nations and previously served on both the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and the Virginia Parole Board under Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam.
Her dedication has earned her numerous awards for transforming her life and courageously advocating for incarcerated individuals, survivors of domestic violence, and young people. She is a leading voice on issues including voting rights, drug policy, prison education, reentry, clemency, probation, domestic violence, and the incarceration of women.
Kemba has also been corporately sponsored by Verizon, Walmart, Travelers Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Gulfstream, and Capital One to share her story before diverse audiences nationwide.
Kemba holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP. Her story continues to inspire youth, women, students, and professionals across disciplines to be champions for social justice and to value their ability to be the change we need to see. She is the author of her memoir Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story and executive producer of the award-winning film KEMBA, now streaming on BET+.
In 2024, Kemba was named an Equity in Action Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania while also leading an impact campaign tied to her film. On January 19, 2025, President Joe Biden granted her a full pardon—nearly 25 years after her release.
Ultimately, Kemba believes that every experience offers a lesson. For decades, she has drawn on her own journey to lead with authenticity, inspire change, and 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.
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!
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