What We Do
Your Life Your Brand promotes life skills and soft skills to a community of learners. It is also home to the Smart Living Finishing Academy where urban youth and young adults receive training to help prepare them for the workforce, marketplace, or everyday living. Our courses are relatable, informative, and accessible through a variety of digital devices.
The Academy collaborates with workforce development initiatives and business communities to deliver standard or customized training. We partner with organizations, institutions, and schools including technical/vocation schools, or colleges/universities that serve youth and young adults. We also train adult learners who are seeking to gain a competitive edge in the job market or to improve their social skills. Individuals in re-entry programs are invited to enroll through their community program.
Meet the Leadership Team
Loretta Whitmore
Founder & Academy Director
Ms. Loretta has long known about the transformative power of “home training” where etiquette and manners are taught and transferred from one generation to the next. She learned to navigate life with wisdom provided by her elders. She was taught how to behave at home as well as abroad and abroad meant anytime she exited her home When away from home, she knew she represented herself and her family. “Reputation matters,” is her mantra. She believes that too often, youth and young adults enter adulthood with limited social and life skills which can clutter their journey with dreams deferred or never realized. She created the Smart Living Finishing Academy for urban youth to help demystify adulthood with soft skills and life skills training.
Professionally, she has worked as a project manager and communications strategist for over 30 years. ,Loretta attended the University of Memphis where she studied business administration. She is a graduate of Leadership Memphis 2015 Executive Program. She earned a Business Etiquette Certificate at Saylor University.
Monica Sisco-Porter
Director, Digital Learning & Innovation
Monica is an educator with over ten years’ experience helping students learn and advance. Her dream has always been to create an atmosphere where learning can flourish, and students can attain their educational goals and grow. She has achieved her dream and now works to help youth and young adults achieve their dreams too. As Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, she oversees idea development for new course offerings and the Academy’s integration of new technology.
She currently attends the University of Memphis where she is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design and Technology. She graduated Bethel University with a Master's in Education degree. Monica earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Meet the Advisors
Robert "Bob" Mebane
People Resources
Corporate Focus Group Facilitator
"It's easier to raise a child than it is to re-build a man."
30 years as HR Practitioner and Executive in Public and Private Sectors.
International Consultant and Advisor in Employment and Employee Relations.
Certified Seminar Leader in Employment Law.
Certified Employment Law Specialist.
Certified Conflict Resolution Professional.
Certified Employment Interviewer.
Jamya Ross
Youth and Young Adults Advisor
Focus Group Facilitator
"It doesn't matter where you come from. It's where you're headed that matters."
Currently pursuing a business and marketing degree from the University of Memphis.
A "Youthpreneur" in the beauty and fashion industry.
A leader and social media influencer.
Completed high school career with honors.