About Our Founder

Hello! I’m Alicia Nickolenko, Founder & CEO of ApexxAscent.

We’re a talent and brand development agency representing women athletes, brands, and creatives in action and adventure sports. We forge powerful partnerships, design strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and close deals that align with your vision and values. Our work is rooted in authentic storytelling — because real impact starts with real connection.

My career began in the biotech and diagnostics industry, where I developed deep experience in business development, strategic sales, and high-value contract negotiations. I led successful partnerships at globally-recognized companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, helping to bring cutting-edge technologies to market, including cancer and COVID-19 diagnostic tools. I've closed B2B deals valued over $1 million, driving commercial success for both the businesses I represented and those we partnered with.

I hold a degree in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Wesleyan University and conducted cancer research at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany. While science shaped my early career, my passion for sports, the ocean, and storytelling shape my purpose.

As a lifelong athlete and former collegiate ice hockey player, I now spend as much time as I can in the water — surfing, scuba diving, and living the adventure I once only dreamed of. My love for the ocean and outdoor sports fuels everything I do at ApexxAscent. I’m here to amplify the stories of women athletes and creatives and to help brands grow through bold strategy, creative dealmaking, and storytelling that resonates.

At ApexxAscent, we’re elevating athletes, brands, and creatives through powerful partnerships.

Let’s connect and make waves together!