Kemba Smith-Pradia

Criminal Justice Advocate, Domestic Violence Survivor & Author, "Poster Child"

Travels From Travels From:
Virginia, USA
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Kemba Smith-Pradia 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. Smith-Pradia’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, Smith-Pradia’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, Smith-Pradia 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, and Members of Congress, and she has led trainings for Federal and State Probation organizations across the country. Past clients include Verizon, Traveler’s Foundation, Proctor and Gamble, Bank of America, and Gulfstream.

She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her courage and determination as a motivational speaker and advocate. In 2019, Smith-Pradia 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 advocating for criminal justice reform, Kemba is the founder of her 501(c)3, The Kemba Smith Foundation. Ultimately, Smith-Pradia knows that each experience in life teaches a lesson, and she has embraced her experience, learned from it, and is now using that experience to teach others.

BOOK Kemba Smith-Pradia

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/23/2025.

Kemba Smith-Pradia Speaking Topics

  • 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

Kemba Smith-Pradia Videos

  • Live Nation Urban Presents | Episode 7: Kemba Smith
    Episode 7 of The Souls of Black Folk features author, public speaker, and criminal justice consultant, Kemba Smith.
  • Kemba Smith Pradia's | WREG Channel News
    Kemba Smith joins WREG News Channel 3 to discuss her experience with abuse and human trafficking: I'm the Voice for the Many Who Deserve Freedom"
  • Interview with Kemba Smith Motivational Speaker

Kemba Smith-Pradia Books

  • Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story
    Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story

FAQs on booking Kemba Smith-Pradia

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  • What topics does Kemba Smith-Pradia speak about?

  • Where does Kemba Smith-Pradia travel from?

    Kemba Smith-Pradia generally travels from Virginia, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Kemba Smith-Pradia is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as 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 and Get Involved! Youth & Student Activism. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kemba Smith-Pradia for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. Kemba Smith-Pradia generally travels from VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Judge Glenda Hatchett, Angela Davis, Dr. Brenda Combs, Ed.D., Shoshana Johnson and Dr. Tererai Trent. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kemba Smith-Pradia for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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