Our Team

  • Val Nosler Beck

    FOUNDER, UPSTREAM

    With over twenty years of experience in state, local, and federal politics, Val Nosler Beck has expertly guided numerous high-profile Democratic candidates in recent years. In 2022, she led successful campaigns for Wanda James for University of Colorado Regent and Rhonda Solis for the State Board of Education in the newly redistricted Congressional District Eight. She also played a vital role in several State House and Senate campaigns through both primaries and general elections. In 2023, Val secured a win for Darrell Watson in his Denver City Council race.

    As one of Colorado's leading figures in Democratic politics, Val is a trusted expert known for finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her expertise includes community engagement, operational management, and strategic planning, equipping clients with the skills and resources needed for success.

    Upstream's mission is to bridge organizational gaps by providing strategies that enhance community initiatives across Colorado. Val's extensive knowledge stems from her diverse political roles, including her work in John Hickenlooper’s US Senate and presidential campaigns and various positions within the Colorado Governor’s Office, notably as Community Engagement Director for flood and fire resilience. Her career began in Washington, DC, working for Congressman Mark Udall and US Senator Evan Bayh. “The Steady” trains campaign staff to build sustainable careers in politics. 

    Val served on the Wheat Ridge City Council from 2019 to 2024 and is currently on the Blueflower Board and the Wheat Ridge Piranhas swim team board. In 2023, Val was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer; she is now in recovery and passionately advocates for everyone to get a colonoscopy if they suspect anything and to advocate for your health! When not in Wheat Ridge, Val enjoys time in Grand or Jackson County with her two young children and husband, embracing Colorado’s beauty.

  • Blair Sagan

    FOUNDER, OFFICE OF BS

    Blair brings over a decade of experience in both visual & verbal communications. From the Colorado Capitol to nonprofits to small businesses to universities to tech startups, Blair has navigated nearly every sector to implement forward-thinking & creative communications strategies.

    Blair graduated from Auburn University with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Sustainability. Their affection for being a guinea pig runs deep as they were part of the first graduating class of Auburn’s Sustainability minor. While at Auburn, Blair had the honor of receiving the Presidential Full Scholarship and was a recipient of the prestigious annual President’s Award.

    Life beyond 2D design
    Blair has developed their own product line under their design studio name, Office of BS. They’re now preparing to launch a guide collective & gear rental company in Taos, New Mexico. They’re also in the process of pursuing a life-long dream of building affordable, sustainable, off-grid housing for artists in Taos County.

    Check out their work >

  • Zara Degroot

    DIGITAL ORGANIZER & CONTENT STRATEGIST

    Upstream is fortunate to have Zara’s creativity on our team. She brings content and strategy to our clients, campaigns, and candidates that feel fresh and are innovative. She listens and then brings her artistic capabilities to everything that she does.

    She is a Colorado native and an experienced digital strategist specializing in digital organizing and content strategy. She brings a unique and innovative perspective to the digital landscape from working in the private sector at multiple marketing agencies to executing digital strategies for political clients, candidates, and single-issue organizations. She has a proven track record of utilizing data-driven digital practices to help clients win big, and she is passionate about using her skills to advance causes close to her heart. She graduated from Colorado State University in 2017 with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and Business Management. Her free time is spent painting, traveling, and obsessing over her dog Rosebud.

    Check out her work >

  • Katie Winter

    POLITICAL DIRECTOR & CAMPAIGNS STRATEGIC SUPPORT, UPSTREAM

    Katie has been a productive nuisance since moving to Colorado from her native New York diving instantly into hotly contested Board of Education races. Over time Katie steadily worked with both candidate and ballot issue campaigns in Jefferson and Denver counties. A lifelong learner, Katie graduated from Hartwick College with a degree in English, earned her MBA from Wagner College, Masters in Higher Education Administration from New York University and advanced certification in college admissions consulting from UCLA. 

    Most recently, Katie was the Campaign Manager for Shannon Bird in Colorado House District 29, Communications and Field Director for Debbie Ortega for Denver Mayor, and Flor Alvidrez for Denver City Council District 7.

  • Jess Smith

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP FELLOW, UPSTREAM

    Jess is an accomplished professional specializing in community engagement and small business support, with a proven track record of building and sustaining partnerships that drive meaningful outcomes. Over the years, she has worked closely with small businesses and nonprofits to understand their unique needs, developing strategies that foster growth, accessibility, and success.

    Throughout her career, Jess has built strong relationships with small business owners across various industries, advocating for their needs and providing tailored support to help them navigate complex systems. 

    In addition to their work with small businesses, Jess has been active in developing community engagement strategies that prioritize inclusivity and support for small business owners. She has demonstrated an ability to create impactful programs that align with both community and business objectives, resulting in sustained partnerships and growth.

    Jess’s work is rooted in a passion for building community, supporting small businesses and nonprofits, and creating accessible pathways for success. She loves music and going to concerts, cooking and exploring Denver’s food and beverage scene, and spending time with her dog, Sesame. 

  • Julia Marvin

    COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR, UPSTREAM

    Julia Marvin brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Born and raised in Colorado, Julia has family roots in Thornton dating back to the 1960s, grounding her in the community she serves. Communications & Special Projects Director, Upstream

    With degrees in news broadcasting and political science from the University of Colorado Boulder, Julia's passion for communications and relationship-building was ignited early on. Over the past decade, she has honed her expertise in marketing and public outreach, working across government, healthcare, technology, startups, and nonprofits. Her diverse background gives her a unique perspective on a wide range of issues and the ability to craft effective strategies tailored to different sectors.

    Julia's dedication to public service is exemplified by her tenure as the State Representative for HD 31 and on Thornton City Council. Her approach to leadership is rooted in collaborative efforts. Her ability to forge partnerships has been instrumental in creating policies, empowering others, and creating meaningful change.

    At Upstream, Julia leverages her extensive experience and deep community connections to help clients navigate the complexities of political and public relations landscapes. Her empathetic, energetic, and positive tone, combined with her dedication to public service, makes her a trusted advisor and advocate for those she serves.

  • Harper Lodge-Rigal

    COPYWRITER

    Harper grew up in Bloomington, Indiana but has called Colorado home for the past eight years. With a degree in Psychology and a Master's in Education, Harper is passionate about supporting and developing others to find their gifts. After teaching elementary school for just under a decade and working as a graduate student coach and advisor, Harper has started her own business Harper Rose Agency LLC, which aims to support clients in finding their voice through expert copywriting and thoughtful consulting.

    Social justice has always been a pillar in the work she has done in her community. She has supported Colorado Democrats over the years through volunteer and fundraising efforts. She is a member of SPURR (Social and Political Understanding of Reproductive Rights) and hosts an annual “ballot party” with her fiance to help community members better understand what issues are on the ballot.

    When she’s not writing, Harper enjoys mountain hikes with her dog Lando, planning her wedding, and sipping wine with friends on patios. She looks forward to bringing her creativity, words, and support to the Upstream team!

    Check out her work >