Sept. 19 female success conference is open to high-school and college students
Beyond the Makeup, the third annual a success conference targeting female students, will take place at the College of Lake County in Grayslake on Sept. 19. More than 400 high-school and college-age students from Lake County are expected to attend the free conference, which focuses on overcoming barriers and investing in a college education for later success.
The keynote speaker is Kemba Smith Pradia, an Indianapolis-based author and public speaker. She will share her story of drug-dealing and abuse, then incarceration, then education and transformation.
Growing up as an only child in Richmond, Va., Smith Pradia graduated from high school and enrolled at Hampton University. In an attempt to "fit in," she associated with the wrong crowd and became involved with a drug dealer. After ending this turbulent, four-year relationship in 1994, Smith Pradia was sentenced to 24.5 years and served 6.5 years in federal prison. She regained her freedom after President Bill Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000. Smith Pradia's case drew support from across the nation and the world to reverse a trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first-time, non-violent drug offenders. Her story has been featured in national media, including CNN, "Nightline," the New York Times and JET magazine.
Smith Pradia's traumatic, real-life experience forces today's students to recognize that there are consequences to their life choices. She has spoken at high schools and colleges nationwide.
Breakout sessions will focus on managing money as well as accepting oneself in a media culture that emphasizes glamour. Attendees also will have an opportunity to watch or participate in a "Jeopardy" style game focusing on navigating college and careers.
The conference is sponsored by CLC's Sister2Sister club, a chapter of the national Student African American Sisterhood (SAAS). The group is open to women of all ethnic backgrounds, said Beverly Phelps, CLC student services specialist and club advisor.
To register, visit www.clcillinois.edu/events/beyond-the-make-up. For more information, contact Phelps at bphelps1@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2778.