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Justice reform advocate & speaker

Kemba Smith Pradia

Champion social justice with Kemba Smith Pradia, speaker and criminal justice reform advocate. Kemba has worked with The White House, state officials, and international bodies, and is a leading voice on issues including voting rights, domestic violence, and the incarceration of women.

Trusted by VelocityEHS, Polk State College, Baltimore Teachers Union, Bank of America, Benedict Center

Kemba Smith Pradia, Speaker | Social Justice Advocate
Kemba Smith Pradia

Kemba Smith Pradia

"Washington, D.C.", United States

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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"Washington, D.C.", United States

Starting from

$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Kemba Smith Pradia's biography

At a glance

  • Criminal justice reform advocate
  • Author of Poster Child and executive producer of KEMBA
  • Speaker on domestic violence, overcoming adversity, and activism
Kemba Smith Pradia transforms immense adversity into powerful advocacy as a leading voice for criminal justice reform, domestic violence awareness, and social justice. Her remarkable resilience was exemplified in her journey from first-time nonviolent offender sentenced to 24.5 years, to receiving a full pardon from President Biden in 2025. After receiving clemency from President Clinton in 2000, Kemba went onto testify before Congress and the United Nations. She has served on the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and Parole Board. Kemba is also the author of Poster Child the executive producer of the award-winning film KEMBA. Today, Kemba helps organizations understand the human impact of criminal justice policies by connecting personal narratives to systemic issues. Her expertise illuminates the intersection of domestic violence and mass incarceration, providing actionable frameworks for meaningful reform. As an Equity in Action Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, she translates complex policy issues into accessible insights. Audiences gain practical strategies for advocating effectively within existing systems and inspiration to transform adversity into purposeful action. Kemba's presentations combine lived experience with policy expertise, creating lasting impact across diverse sectors. Book Kemba for an authentic voice that transforms understanding into action and inspires meaningful change in your organization.

Kemba's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Power Of Women
Kemba Smith Pradia recounts her transformative journey from college student and domestic violence victim to a mother sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison. Her story highlights strength and resilience, emphasizing the importance of women leaders in advocating for community improvement. Attendees will learn about overcoming adversity, the impact of systemic issues, and the power of personal narratives in inspiring change.

Why we recommend booking Kemba

Kemba Smith Pradia brings unparalleled credibility to criminal justice reform discussions as a presidential clemency recipient who transformed immense challenges into powerful advocacy. Book this remarkable speaker to gain practical strategies for social justice advocacy while inspiring your team to turn adversity into meaningful change.

Check Kemba's availability

Trusted by VelocityEHS, Polk State College, Baltimore Teachers Union, Bank of America, Benedict Center

Testimonials

Kemba was incredible! Honestly, she was among the best keynote speakers we've ever had - she connected so well with our audience, it was fantastic. Thank you for helping get her to our event!

Director of Signature Events, Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA)

Kemba's presentation was heartfelt and compelling. Such an amazing woman!

Polk State College

Kemba was inspirational and spoke with passion and grace. I do appreciate her honesty and candor around difficult subjects!

Baltimore Teachers Union

Featured Projects

Kemba Smith Pradia - Poster Child book cover
Kemba Smith Pradia - Kemba book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Kemba Smith Pradia for my next event?
Email kemba.smith.pradia@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Kemba's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Kemba Smith Pradia's speaking style like?
Kemba Smith Pradia uses first-person narrative to recount her own criminal justice case, connecting her lived experience as a domestic violence victim and first-time nonviolent offender sentenced to 24.5 years to broader systemic policy issues, drawing on her subsequent work testifying before Congress and the United Nations to provide audiences with frameworks for advocacy within existing systems.
What topics does Kemba Smith Pradia specialise in?
Kemba Smith Pradia speaks on criminal justice reform, domestic violence awareness, and overcoming adversity through personal narrative. She received clemency from President Clinton in 2000, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and received a full pardon from President Biden in 2025.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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