Our Team

  • Val Nosler Beck

    FOUNDER, UPSTREAM

    With over two decades of experience in state, local, and federal politics, Val Nosler Beck has successfully led dozens of high-profile Democratic campaigns. In 2022, she spearheaded victories for Wanda James for University of Colorado Regent, Rhonda Solis for State Board of Education in the newly redistricted Congressional District Eight, and multiple State House and Senate races. In 2023, she guided Darrell Watson’s Denver City Council campaign to a win. In 2024, Val led numerous primary campaigns, including Trisha Calvarese for Congressional District 4 through a competitive primary and general election against Lauren Boebert, as well as John Walsh for Denver District Attorney. She also collaborates with organizations like ProgressNow Colorado, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, and the Community Investment Alliance, and founded a campaign staffer training program called The Steady. Val has served on the Wheat Ridge City Council and brings her life experience as a cancer survivor to her work building community and advocacy. She lives in Wheat Ridge with her spouse, two kids, two cats, and two dogs.

  • Katie Winner

    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 OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST, UPSTREAM

    Jess Smith is an experienced community outreach and engagement professional with a strong track record of building meaningful relationships and driving impactful initiatives. She has worked with diverse audiences, including community organizations, government agencies, and small businesses, to create strategies that align community needs with organizational goals.

    A lifelong Coloradan, Jessica brings a deep understanding of the state’s communities and a passion for driving connection and trust. With expertise in partnership development and strategic outreach, she is committed to helping organizations make a positive, lasting impact.

    She loves music and going to concerts, cooking and exploring Denver’s food and beverage scene, and spending time with her dog, Sesame. 

Our Collaborators

  • Elena Mendoza

    PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIST

    Upstream is thrilled to welcome Elena Mendoza, a seasoned leader with a passion for service and community impact. As a proud first-generation Latina, Elena brings extensive leadership experience in education and nonprofits, having served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and senior education director. She holds a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education and a Master's in Administration and Supervision. A lifelong learner, Elena is also an alumna of renowned leadership programs like the Circle of Latina Leadership, EMERGE Colorado, and the Latino Leadership Institute.

    Elena’s dedication to uplifting communities extends beyond her professional roles. She has served on nonprofit boards such as COLOR and the President’s Leadership Class at CU Boulder, and she currently sits on Denver’s Commission for People with Disabilities and the Denver Women’s Commission. When not working or volunteering, Elena enjoys quality time with her family. Upstream is excited to have Elena supporting its mission and advancing meaningful community work.

  • 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 >