Campaign Launch Box and Campaign Library Director, UPSTREAM

Mackenzie is a skilled campaign and project consultant with a strong foundation in organizing, training, and systems development. With experience spanning multiple campaign cycles and organizational contexts, she specializes in building infrastructure that supports scalable teams and long-term success. From strategic planning to on-the-ground implementation, Mackenzie works closely with clients to create effective, values-driven programs that deliver both immediate results and long-term growth.
Mackenzie graduated from Truman State University with a major in Criminal Justice and minors in Disability and Child Studies. She lives in Lakewood, Colorado, where her two cats, Juno and Mars, make sure no Zoom meeting goes uninterrupted. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature, thrifting, and volunteering with ENGin, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring Ukrainian students and helping them improve their English. n goes here

Community Outreach & Engagement Director, 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. 

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.

STRATEGIC ADVISOR, 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.

Community and Campaign Support Lead, UPSTREAM

Sam von Mettenheim is a Colorado-based community engagement and marketing professional specializing in marketing strategy, public affairs, and inclusive outdoor initiatives. Born and raised in Colorado, Sam’s deep connection to the outdoors inspired him to earn a degree in Environmental Sustainability with a minor in Entrepreneurship Business. Throughout his career, he has partnered with community organizations, outdoor brands, and small businesses to expand access to outdoor recreation, break down systemic barriers, and align community needs with organizational goals. Sam brings a proactive, community-centered approach to every project, emphasizing relationship building, representation, and sustainable impact. His work focuses on creating inclusive spaces and launching initiatives that foster belonging, opportunity, and growth in the outdoors and beyond.