Kemba Smith Pradia

Advocate and Author

Kemba Smith Pradia is a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform whose story of resilience and the need for redemption brought national attention to mass incarceration and the war on drugs in the 1990’s. After being sentenced to 24.5 years for a non-violent drug offense tied to her abusive boyfriend and fighting a highly publicized legal battle, she received executive clemency from President Clinton after serving 6.5 years.

Kemba has worked alongside civil rights and criminal justice organizations, The White House, various state officials, testified before Congress and the United Nations. Previously, she served on the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and Virginia Parole Board under Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam.

She has received awards for her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated people, survivors of domestic violence, and youth. Kemba is outspoken on issues related to voting rights, drug policy, prison education, reentry, clemency, probation, domestic violence, women and incarceration.

Her story has inspired youth and women nationwide about life choices, while motivating students and professionals across disciplines to become advocates themselves for social justice. She is the author of her memoir, Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story and executive producer of her award-winning film KEMBA, now streaming on BET+.

In 2024, Kemba was invited to be an Equity in Action Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, while she was also leading an impact campaign launched along with her film. Then on January 19, 2025, President Joe Biden granted a pardon to Kemba Smith Pradia after nearly a quarter-century.

Ultimately, Kemba knows that there is a lesson in each experience in life. She has learned from her experiences and for decades she has led with authenticity to influence and teach others.