Kemba Smith Pradia is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and criminal justice reform advocate whose story has influenced policy, inspired movements, and educated audiences across the United States. Her path—from college student to the victim of domestic abuse, to being sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for a first-time, non-violent drug offense—became a defining case in the national conversation on sentencing reform. After serving 6.5 years, her sentence was commuted by President Bill Clinton in 2000, following massive public support and media attention.
Today, Kemba uses her voice, experience, and expertise to empower individuals and organizations to understand the human impact of the criminal justice system. Her bestselling memoir, Poster Child, chronicles her journey and the lessons that continue to shape her mission: advocating for fairness, compassion, and opportunity for those impacted by incarceration, trauma, and systemic barriers.
Kemba has worked with senior officials at the White House, United Nations, and U.S. Congress. She has led trainings for federal and state probation departments and spoken at major corporations including Verizon, Bank of America, Gulfstream, Procter & Gamble, and Travelers Foundation. Her work has earned numerous awards and recognitions for courage, leadership, and advocacy.
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,
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.
Kemba Smith Pradia is a captivating female motivational speaker who shares her riveting journey of empowerment, justice reform, and overcoming adversity. From her personal story of redemption to her advocacy for social justice, Kemba’s impactful message resonates deeply with audiences, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring positive action. Book Kemba Smith Pradia for your next event and empower your audience to rise above challenges and make a difference.
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A three minute thirty-four second emotional and empowering profile highlighting Kemba Smith Pradia’s journey from survivor to advocate, and her mission to support others facing abuse and systemic barriers.
This three minute thirty-four second video presents a concise yet powerful look into Kemba Smith Pradia’s life as a survivor of domestic violence and her ongoing commitment to helping others overcome trauma, fear, and injustice. Speaking with heartfelt honesty, Kemba shares how her abusive relationship became the catalyst for a series of life-altering events that ultimately led to her federal incarceration. She explains that the cycle of fear, manipulation, and control is often misunderstood, and she uses her experience to illuminate the complex realities that many victims face.
Kemba reflects on the emotional and psychological toll of abuse, emphasizing that survivors often struggle with silence, shame, and isolation. Her story underscores the importance of compassionate support systems and the need for society to rethink assumptions about victims. She highlights that her transformation began with acknowledging her worth, breaking the silence, and finding a path toward healing and empowerment.
The video also focuses on her work today as an advocate, speaker, and mentor. Kemba discusses her passion for mentoring young women, supporting survivors, and educating communities about domestic violence and coercion. Through her voice, she seeks to prevent others from entering harmful relationships and to guide those who have suffered toward recovery and renewed purpose.
She closes with a message of hope, reminding viewers that healing is possible and that survivors can reclaim their stories, rebuild their lives, and become advocates for others navigating similar challenges.
00:40–01:25 How manipulation and fear shaped her relationship and life trajectory.
01:25–02:20 Finding strength, breaking silence, and beginning the journey toward healing.
02:20–03:00 Her mission to support survivors and educate communities about abuse.
A six minute forty-nine second testimony where Kemba Smith Pradia delivers a powerful, fact-based, and deeply personal perspective on voting rights, justice reform, and the urgent need for equitable democratic protections.
This six minute forty-nine second UN panel testimony features Kemba Smith Pradia speaking with clarity, conviction, and moral authority on the intersection of voting rights, criminal justice reform, and systemic inequality. Drawing from her lived experience and years of advocacy, she highlights how mass incarceration and restrictive voting policies disproportionately harm marginalized communities, particularly people of color.
Kemba begins by sharing elements of her own story, underscoring how her incarceration for a first-time, non-violent drug offense not only impacted her life but stripped her—and individuals like her—of fundamental civic participation. She explains how the loss of voting rights becomes an extension of punishment that undermines reintegration, community stability, and democratic fairness.
Throughout her testimony, Kemba presents broader systemic concerns: disparities in sentencing, barriers faced by returning citizens, and the ripple effects these injustices have on families and communities. She emphasizes that withholding voting rights from formerly incarcerated individuals reinforces cycles of disenfranchisement and silences voices that most need representation.
She advocates for comprehensive reform, urging global leaders, policymakers, and institutions to address discriminatory practices and expand voting protections. Kemba highlights the importance of civic access as both a human right and a critical component of national progress, arguing that true justice extends beyond incarceration to full societal participation.
01:20–02:40 Explaining the long-term impact of disenfranchisement on individuals and communities.
02:40–04:10 Systemic barriers tied to mass incarceration and racial disparities.
04:10–05:35 The need for restoring voting rights and strengthening democratic protections.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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