Alyce Alston

The DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. With a number of innovation hubs across DFW, we provide expert education, access to knowledgeable mentors, and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. We accelerate founder success through connections and collaboration from our work with investors, corporations, and public institutions.

Relationships First is a nonprofit cause on a mission to improve lives—and therefore the world—by making relationships better. Mission VISION: All individuals value healthy relationships and have access to the education and resources needed to build and maintain these relationships. MISSION: The mission of Relationships First is to empower individuals to learn healthy relationship skills by increasing the public’s awareness of the value and benefit of healthy relationships; providing easy access to the best science-based information and resources; and serving as a catalyst for a new healthy relationship movement. OVERVIEW: Healthy relationships are essential for a better lives and a better world. Unfortunately, the importance of healthy relationships is too often undervalued. Scientific research confirms that people in healthy relationships have happier and healthier lives and are able to contribute more to society. Imagine if everyone put their relationships first. Relationships First is a new cause on a mission to improve lives—and therefore the world—by making relationships better. Nonprofit 501c3

Quantum Connections, founded by renowned relationship experts Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., leverages over 40 years of expertise to provide individuals and organizations with invaluable relational competency skills rooted in neuro and quantum social sciences. Serving small businesses, large corporations, global faith communities, educational institutions, and community organizations, along with individuals, Quantum Connections offers live and on-demand training, coaching certification, and resources to foster authentic connections through effective communication and skill development.

American Achievement Corporation has a long and successful history, providing products that mark special moments and achievements in people’s lives. From our start in 1913 to today, the company has grown and evolved in many ways but the quality of our products and our commitment to our people have been at the highest standards throughout this long history. In July of 2010, American Achievement Corporation (AAC) leveraged the reputations of both Taylor Publishing and Balfour to begin marketing and selling on-campus under one master brand: Balfour. In June of 2015, the Company announced the acquisition of Gaspard LP, a North American manufacturer and distributor of academic regalia, clergy vestments, choral robes, and legal and judicial attire. Gaspard has a long history (founded in 1909) of manufacturing quality products at competitive prices and providing industry-leading customer service. American Achievement provides products that forever mark the special moments of people's lives. As the parent company of brands such as ArtCarved ® , Balfour ® , Keepsake ® and Taylor Publishing ® , American Achievement's legacy is based upon the delivery of exceptional, innovative products, including class rings, yearbooks, graduation products, and affinity jewelry through in-school and retail distribution. American Achievement's products are available through a variety of distribution methods, including direct sales to students in high schools and colleges, national jewelry retailers, independent jewelry stores and mass merchandisers and direct to consumers from our websites. For more information on American Achievement, please visit our web site at www.balfour.com . The company is privately held and well positioned for continued growth and expansion, both from a capital perspective as well as an ability to continue to drive product innovation, enhancement and channel expansion.

At Modern Luxury, connection and community define who we are. Reaching an audience of more than 16 million, we are the nations largest luxury media company offering leading brands access to the most affluent audiences in the most prominent cities across the U.S. Through the power of the Modern Luxury platform including 85+ brands across 22 markets, we deliver powerful marketing solutions allowing luxury brands to connect with their audiences in the places and ways that matter most.

BlackSun Private Equity is an emerging global leader in alternative asset management, private equity funds, credit funds, real estate funds, alternative investment, leveraged buyouts, growth capital and venture capital. BlackSuns primary focuses is on the powerhouse industries of Sports, Media, Entertainment, Real Estate and Technology.

Alyce Alston brings a trailblazing mindset to launching and growing businesses across diverse industries, creating standout workplaces that attract talent, drive innovation, and deliver lasting results. With a unique fusion of visionary creativity and strategic financial insight, she transforms fresh ideas into scalable models that fuel top-line growth while maximizing bottom-line impact. Transformation is the common thread that runs throughout her work—whether reimagining brands through pattern-breaking thinking or unlocking infinite potential in people and products. Through it all, Alyce remains closely connected to what inspires her most: understanding people at their core, building authentic connections, and bringing others along for the ride. === STRENGTHS & EXPERTISE === ✔C-Suite Leadership ✔Vision, Strategy, & Execution ✔Financial Management ✔Value Creation ✔Revenue & Profit Growth ✔Global Operations Management ✔Business & Product Development ✔Brand Management & Loyalty ✔Talent Recruiting & Retention ✔C-Suite & Board Relations ✔Stakeholder Engagement ✔P&L Management for Revenue & Profit Growth ✔Profit and Non-Profit leadership ✔New Business Innovation and Growth

Home of Alston Collective Advisory and Alston Collective Lab—where world‑class brand expertise meets AI to build companies that perform and stand out AI‑Infused Marketing Platform – uses AI to save time and money, then layers in world‑class brand and marketing expertise so companies don’t end up with the same generic AI website and social feed as everyone else. Digital Presence Upgrade – delivers a one‑time, 30‑day upgrade: an upgraded or new site, search‑optimized content, and social channels and campaigns tuned for performance and built to stand out. System, Playbooks & Training – designs and installs the AI‑powered system, then equips internal teams with prompts, workflows, and coaching so they can run and evolve it on their own for ongoing impact.” Alston Collective Advisory CEO and Board Support – strategic partner to CEOs and boards on growth, capital, and brand; shapes the agenda and helps make the hard calls. Strategy, Planning & Growth – designs clear growth strategies and operating plans, then leads the work to translate them into teams, roadmaps, and metrics for scale. Operational Execution, Capital & Innovation – steps in as a seasoned operator to fix friction, stand up systems, and improve financial performance while using data and emerging technologies (including AI) to modernize how the company markets, sells, and operates

The DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. With a number of innovation hubs across DFW, we provide expert education, access to knowledgeable mentors, and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. We accelerate founder success through connections and collaboration from our work with investors, corporations, and public institutions.