Our Team
We work hard. We have fun. We exceed expectations. Every time.
We produce events nationwide and have resources that enable us to create amazing events wherever our clients need us. Our approach helps our clients to advance their mission, message and brand to their audiences through memorable experiences and interactions.
What sets Tolo Events apart? We’re one of very few event companies that creates, designs and oversees all key elements of an event experience. This enables our clients’ vision to be cohesive and the planning process to be seamless.
MEET THE TEAM
Shelly Tolo
President
Shelly launched Tolo Events in 2002 after a 12-year career as a development officer and event planner for nonprofit organizations. Her business mission is to maximize events through strategic planning and creating fabulous atmospheres and programs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University with a concentration in nonprofit organizations. In addition to her business savvy, Shelly has a keen eye for design and is recognized as a leading event designer in the industry. In 2023, Shelly was inducted in the Washington State Festival and Events Association’s Hall of Fame.
Liz Sexton
Senior Event Producer
Liz is passionate about helping her clients produce meaningful and flawless live events. Having planned over 250 events in her career, she excels at navigating the minute details of a large event, from guest experience to program planning to vendor management. Prior to joining Tolo Events, Liz spent 12 years working in development & special events at non-profit organizations across the country including Washington National Opera and The Smithsonian Associates. She holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School for Public Policy. Three truths and zero lies about Liz; she was trained as an opera singer, is passionate about renovating her old house, and has an adorable daughter named Evie Lou.
Audrey Newman
Senior Event Designer
Audrey brings a distinctive style and design to the Tolo Events Team. She has a fresh outlook, enthusiasm for design, an amazing eye for detail and an understanding of time management, which allows her to execute any project flawlessly. Audrey has spent her entire career in the hospitality industry, with the last 10 years in a design capacity. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. When Audrey is not designing events, she is busy chasing her 4 year old twin boys around, listening to podcasts, or day dreaming about a nap.
Athina Mangouras
Senior Event Designer
Athina is committed to excellence, customer service and professionalism. Being in the event industry for 30+ years, Athina understands the challenges, emotions, and successes involved in creating, designing, and producing a well curated event . She is dedicated to bringing positive results by creatively collaborating with her clients to achieve their goals no matter how lofty. Mastering the life work balance, Athina recharges by designing gardens, listening to true crime podcasts & cooking.
Athina is Bi-Lingual: Advanced fluency level in Greek.
Athina’s life motto: Failure Doesn’t Live Here!
Stephanie Whelham
Event Coordinator
Stephanie has been part of the Tolo Events’ core team since 2003 working behind the scenes to make the project manager’s vision come to life. Her role involves all aspects of event planning for corporate, and non-profit organizations, large and small. Stephanie has a degree from Washington State University in Recreation and Leisure and was formerly the Program Director at Edmonds Boys & Girls Club. When she’s not managing a silent auction check-out, Stephanie likes traveling with her husband and spending time with her four kids and grandbaby. If you are wondering why Stephanie is always smiling it’s because she is looking forward to her next beach vacation or planning a Wet Your Whistle get together with her girlfriends or reaching a new goal on her Peloton.
Lona Parks
Event Coordinator
Lona joined Tolo Events in 2022, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to crafting seamless and unforgettable experiences. She holds a degree in Information Systems from the University of Washington that helps her to combine technical expertise and creativity seamlessly. Lona plays a pivotal role in on-site setups, material logistics, and provides essential administrative support to our team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lona enjoys concerts, horror films, and the companionship of her feline friend.
Jessica Quande
Event Assistant
Jessica Quande has been working with Tolo Events since 2018. Growing up she always aspired to become an event & wedding planner so working for Tolo Events has allowed her dream to become reality! Quande is an integral part of the behind the scenes team. From prepping materials in the warehouse, loading trucks, setting and striking events, to playing dress up at Galas, she is always ready to help in whatever way she can to ensure our clients enjoy the most memorable events. When not assisting team Tolo, Quande can be found dancing and running her own company, CTY Fitness. She loves to travel with her friends & never misses an episode of 90 Day Fiancé (with a good glass of wine of course).
Stephanie Turningrobe
Event Assistant
Stephanie is passionate about working with others, bringing new perspectives to the table and helping to create the most memorable experiences. She invests not just time and effort but a genuine passion for ensuring every detail is meticulously executed. Stephanie graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Communications which helps her build connections and relationships, whether it’s with clients, vendors, or team members. She has a collaborative approach and goes above and beyond to understand the vision and help bring that magic to life! Outside of work Stephanie can be found outdoors exploring, playing beach volleyball, or trying out a new brunch spot!
Najai Smith
Event Manager
Najai Smith has been coordinating events in the PNW for over 15 years. She is a Boise State University alumnus and is passionate about community engagement through creative avenues such as art, music, film and more. Working with local organizations such as World Vision, the Tacoma Art Museum, LeMay Car Museum and REST Seattle, Najai has developed fundamental fundraising skills which supports non-profits’ developmental event needs. She has engaged with local government, school districts and community leaders to raise funds for family assistance programs, school scholarships, student programs and more. She enjoys attending concerts, international travel, paddle boarding and spontaneous adventures. She is recognized as a creative; writing and recording her own music and aspires to own a venue space in the future.
Manaia Fuertes
Operations Assistant
Manaia Fuertes is a dedicated warehouse and operations assistant with a keen eye for organization and efficiency. With experience in logistics, inventory management, and event coordination, Manaia thrives in fast-paced environments, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. Passionate about creating seamless experiences, whether in the warehouse or at an event, Manaia brings a strong work ethic and a problem-solving mindset to every task. Outside of work, you’ll find Manaia on the football field, giving back to the community as a High School Football Coach. Committed to mentoring young athletes, Manaia finds joy in fostering teamwork, discipline, and growth both on and off the field.
Natalie Fanony
Office & Staffing Manager
Natalie Fanony is an accomplished professional with a unique blend of creativity, perseverance, and a genuine passion for events. She graduated from Marymount University with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Marketing. Her academic journey provided the foundation for her commitment to excellence and continuous learning. With a successful track record in both the government and private sectors, Natalie has gained expertise in event management and project coordination. As the office and staffing manager, she brings all the elements of Tolo Events together to deliver a magical experience. In her downtime she enjoys spending quality time with her family and attending live music events.
Marc Aubin
Lead Carpenter and Craftsman
Marc’s grandmother taught him how to sew on a button at the age of 6 and the rest is history. Over the course of 40 years, his expertise has traversed various realms of the event industry from NYC to Las Vegas and now to Seattle. From shaping commercial showroom designs, contributing to the enchanting world of Broadway and imparting technical theater education, Marc brings a lifetime of creative experience to Tolo Events. For fun, Marc is annually inspired by camping on The Playa at Burning Man which he has attended for the last decade.
Professional Affiliations & Partnerships
