Yaz Quiles, a celebrity event producer who graduated from Iona in 1998, is joining the cast of the new HGTV competition series “Table Wars.” 

Quiles, who received her degree in mass communications, is the founder of Pop! By Yaz, an award-winning agency that plans celebrity weddings and consumer events. The agency has produced events for companies such as HBO and Barnes and Noble. Quiles has also launched Pop! Igloos, an outdoor venue experience designed to serve clientele despite COVID-19 restrictions.  

“Celebrating life’s special moments also means embracing its surprises, hence why I knew I had to reimagine intimate gatherings by creating a chic and immersive experience for home and businesses, which also stylishly met safety standards,” said Quiles according to a press release. 

In the “Table Wars” series, Quiles will compete against eight other designers from across the country to create the best dining displays. The seven-episode series will feature weekly competitions to make creative tablescapes and centerpieces. Competitors will have access to a fully stocked workshop and event space for their innovative creations. Themes will range from Winter Wonderland to Decade Design. The contestant who avoids elimination will not only earn the “Table Wars” title but will walk away with a $50,000 cash prize. 

The series will have a panel of judges led by the celebrity businesswoman Martha Stewart. The other judges include Tamera Mowry-Housely, the host of the series and an award-winning actress, and Chris Hessney, a luxury event planner and designer. 

Quiles made her premiere appearance on “Table Wars” on Nov. 14 on HGTV. The show will air on Sundays at 8:00pm and is available for same-day streaming on Discovery+.