HOW WE GOT STARTED
Toolbox Entertainment was founded in 2007, inspired by a simple yet profound symbol from my childhood: my father’s Toolbox.
As I grew up, that toolbox represented more than just a collection of tools—it symbolized the belief that you could do anything you put your mind to with the right mindset and a good set of tools. My father’s resilience, forward-thinking, and resourcefulness guided and inspired me, giving me the confidence to navigate the world’s challenges and opportunities.
“Toolbox Ent.” evolved into a personal journey rooted in mindset, growth, and creativity. It’s not just about physical tools—it’s about the skills, knowledge, and attitude you carry with you. This idea became the foundation of Toolbox Entertainment: empowering individuals to build their tools to thrive, innovate, and share their stories and artistic expression with the world.
From its origins as a creative outlet for media production to its evolution as a consulting firm that equips educators, students, and administrators with tools for success, Toolbox Entertainment has stayed true to its roots and built off other offshoots, including Toolbox Strategic Consulting. It’s a testament to the belief that anything is possible with the right tools, especially when navigating an ever-changing global landscape.
What started as a creative outlet for media production has since evolved into a boutique consulting firm that equips educators, students, and administrators with the tools they need to succeed and be part of the fabric in an ever-changing, technology-driven world. Toolbox Entertainment has also branched out into new ventures yet remains true to its roots, including Toolbox Strategic Consulting, which maintains its mission of fostering growth and transformation. At its core is the belief that with the right tools, anything is possible—especially in navigating today’s global landscape.
About Shelley Wolfe
As the founder and CEO of Toolbox Entertainment, for the last 17 years, I’ve spent over 30 years transforming the worlds of education, media, and entertainment. My career path began in Rockford, Ill., yet has taken shape to have a deep commitment to community impact and storytelling by amplifying voices. I didn’t follow the typical path—instead, I carved my own, drawing on my passion for innovation, mentorship, and building connections across industries.
For 30 years, I’ve worked in community television, leading efforts in management, program development, teaching, and building state-of-the-art production studios in schools and community spaces worldwide. Today, I serve as the Executive Director of PSTV, the education channel for the (8) eighth-largest school district in the United States, the School District of Philadelphia.
In this role, I’ve transformed PSTV into an industry-standard multimedia environment that has reached over 7,000 students, predominantly students of color. Through in-person and online training, I’ve worked directly with over 1,500 underrepresented students, helping them discover their voices and gain studio production, storytelling, and technology skills.
Beyond my work in Philadelphia, my career has spanned Silicon Valley and global nonprofit sectors. I’ve served on numerous boards, delivered impactful workshops and speaking engagements, and earned recognition for innovative leadership and mentorship guidance.
As the CEO of Toolbox Entertainment & Strategic Consulting, I have designed transformative training programs, developed cutting-edge media spaces, and led mentorship initiatives that continue to empower and coach countless individuals. I connect people and organizations with the tools and strategies they need to embrace creativity, media literacy, and technology in transformative ways.
Most recently, I Co-founded Stories In My Backyard (SIMBY), a nonprofit inspired by the first student I worked with in Philadelphia. SIMBY provides Black youth access to culturally relevant media arts education through online and in-person experiences led by Black instructors. It is an organization that fosters representation, belonging, and media literacy, empowering young people to tell their own stories and see themselves reflected in the media.
Innovation, creativity, and the human-centered experience are at the core of Toolbox.
What we Bring to the Table
Our teams expertise spans entertainment, education, and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on:
- Program Development and Mentorship: Creating spaces for personal and professional growth.
- Accessibility: Making media and education opportunities available to all.
- Digital and Media Literacy: Helping students and professionals to navigate a media-driven world.
- Social and Emotional Learning: Promoting empathy and collaboration in learning environments.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ensuring all voices are heard and valued.