25th Year Anniversary

Kemba Smith Pradia is a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform, whose powerful story of resilience and redemption brought national attention to mass incarceration and injustice. After a highly publicized legal battle and a presidential commutation from President Bill Clinton, Kemba became a voice for those impacted by the legal system. She is the author of the memoir Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story and an award-winning executive producer of the film KEMBA. Through the film’s impact campaign, she championed clemency for women affected by intimate partner violence, helping secure the release of Michelle West after 31 years of incarceration.

Kemba has collaborated with Members of Congress, led training for Federal and State Probation organizations, and worked with groups like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, The Sentencing Project, and the ACLU to influence criminal justice policy. As a National Consultant for the 400 Years African American History Commission, she leads an initiative building trust between law enforcement and communities, gathering research from over 12 universities, primarily HBCUs.

Her story has inspired youth and women nationwide to make healthier choices and understand long-term consequences, while also motivating students across academic disciplines to become advocates for social justice. In Virginia, Kemba has served on the Criminal Sentencing Commission and the Virginia Parole Board, advising officials from state houses to the White House on criminal justice reform.

Currently an Equity in Action Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania and a board member of the Drug Policy Alliance, Kemba is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP. In 2024, she received a full presidential pardon from President Joe Biden. As a sought-after speaker, she has addressed audiences sponsored by major corporations, earning numerous awards for her dedication to justice and community impact.