901-754-9404
My List0

We've now made it easier for you to research and save your favorite keynotes speakers. Click on the + sign to add a speaker to your Speaker List and email your favorites to colleagues and friends.

using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
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.

 

Related Speakers

Jennifer Brown, keynote speaker

Jennifer Brown

Founder

Chad Williams

Chad Williams

Former U.S. Navy Seal

Joe Pantaliano keynote speaker

Joe Pantoliano

Emmy Award-Winning Actor

Ted James, Healthcare Speaker

Ted James

Medical Director and Executive Coach  

Leah Busque, Business Speaker

Leah Busque Solivan

Founder & Executive Chairwoman

Emmitt Smith, Celebrity Speaker

Emmitt Smith

Won three Super Bowl championships as a member of the Dallas Cowboys 

Laurie Dhue, speaker

Laurie Dhue

Certified Recovery Specialist

Steve Uzzell, Personal Growth Speaker

Steve Uzzell

Renowned National Geographic Photographer

Fletcher Cleaves

Fletcher Cleaves

Motivational Speaker

Sean Bott keynote speaker

Sean Bott

Mentalist & Experiential Keynote Speaker

Brian Fanzo, speaker

Brian Fanzo

Digital Futurist who Inspires Change & Translates Future Trends

Angela Chee keynote speaker

Angela Chee

Media/Communication Coach

Reviews

Customer Rating 5

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Click testimonials tab below for detailed feedback.

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

Everyone on the ESB team has been great to work with for our events. Looking forward to keep working with ESB!

Plexus Worldwide

We had a positive experience with ESB. Matt Meyer is a great communicator and easy to get a hold of. His helped us through the process to mak..

BNSF

ESB was patient, thorough, and responsive during the planning process. Thank you for making this such a great experience for us!

ConnectWise

ESB supported our needs and the needs of our speaker throughout the entire process. I highly recommend working with ESB to find your next spe..

DogWatch

"It's always a pleasure to work with ESB. Very professional and personable staff. Thanks!"

Testimonial | Texas Society of Architects

"Excellent! Thank you for being a true partner to our organization and its development."

HCA Healthcare

"They are the only speakers bureau I will even consider using!"

Testimonial | Youth Villages

A wonderful bureau to work with! Big ups to everyone who helped make our event a success. Fingers crossed we get the chance to collaborate fo..

MDRT | Testimonial

"As always, you are the best most responsive speaker bureau I've ever worked with!"

Image Media

Angela Schelp was a great partner in finding the right kick-off speaker for our conference. This was my first conference identifying the keyn..

CubeSmart
Need Suggestions? Have Questions?

Need Suggestions? Have Questions?

Call to discuss how we can you help find the right speaker(s) for your organization.

© 2024 Executive Speakers Bureau. All Rights Reserved.

Design and Developed by eBiz Solutions

Get Ideas in 1 hour or less

Executive Speakers Bureau consistently receives praises about our speed and efficiency. From the beginning of your event planning, our extensive online speaker database and resourceful staff allow us to quickly equip you with the best speaker for your event.

Need a last minute speaker? No worries. Our speed and efficiency help us give you ideas for speakers in one hour or less.

Please fill in information below