Connecting Cultures, Empowering Growth
Upstate International (UI) has long been a beacon of cultural exchange in the Upstate region, fostering global connections and empowering communities through programs, events, and educational opportunities. Yet, as their mission grew, so did the complexity of managing their expanding membership, events, and donor base. While their mission was thriving, their digital infrastructure was not.
To support their ambitious vision of connecting people through culture, UI needed a streamlined, integrated solution—one that would unify their operations, elevate the user experience, and provide staff with the tools to focus on community impact rather than administrative tasks.
The Challenge:
Bridging Cultures, Digitally
Upstate International (UI) needed a complete overhaul of their digital systems to keep pace with their growing community and diverse programs. While their mission to connect cultures and empower global exchange flourished, their operational tools lagged behind.
Membership registrations, language classes, and event sign-ups were scattered across various third-party platforms. This disjointed system created data silos, making it difficult for staff to manage members, donors, and attendees. Redundant manual data entry consumed precious staff hours and increased the risk of errors.
UI sought a centralized solution that would:
- Unify operations by connecting their website with Little Green Light (LGL), their donor management software.
- Create a seamless membership portal for user-friendly registrations, renewals, and updates.
- Facilitate event and language class registrations while integrating with LGL for real-time data synchronization.
- Automate tasks to reduce staff workload and enhance donor/member satisfaction.
The Solution:
A System of Integration and Innovation
At 21 ads media, we crafted a fully customized integration tailored to Upstate International’s unique needs. This transformation began with the development of a custom integration that bridged their website, WooCommerce, and their donor management software, Little Green Light (LGL).
We developed a custom plugin that seamlessly synchronized WooCommerce transactions with LGL’s donor database via API. The custom-built plugin allowed seamless communication between WooCommerce and LGL via API. Every transaction—whether for memberships, language classes, or event registrations—was automatically synced with LGL. This eliminated the need for manual data entry and ensured that UI’s records were always accurate and up-to-date. To make the system truly robust, we mapped unique membership tiers, class types, and donor details to LGL’s database fields, enabling granular reporting and deeper insights.
Recognizing the importance of a unified membership experience, we designed and implemented a comprehensive membership portal directly on UI’s website. Members could update their profiles, renew subscriptions, and register for events in one place. The portal also offered automated reminders for membership renewals, ensuring no one missed out on staying connected.
UI’s vibrant cultural programming, including language classes and events, required a smooth registration process. We integrated these features into the website, allowing users to browse offerings, register, and pay—all through WooCommerce. The data flowed seamlessly into LGL, providing staff with real-time attendee tracking and simplified reporting.
To complement the technical overhaul, we redesigned the website with a focus on usability and storytelling. Visitors are now greeted with intuitive navigation, mobile-friendly design, and captivating visuals that celebrate the diversity and mission of Upstate International.
The Result:
A Global Connection Reimagined Locally
The impact of this transformation has been profound. Upstate International now operates with a streamlined, centralized platform that empowers both staff and members. The integration of WooCommerce and Little Green Light has eliminated data silos, enabling real-time synchronization of all membership, event, and donor data.
Staff no longer spend hours on manual administrative tasks. Instead, they can focus on what matters most—developing programs, connecting communities, and advancing cultural exchange. Members enjoy a seamless digital experience, from renewing their memberships to signing up for classes and events, fostering greater engagement and retention.
The revitalized website not only simplifies operations but also serves as a digital hub that reflects UI’s mission. It inspires visitors, strengthens donor relationships, and expands UI’s reach to new audiences eager to engage with the organization’s programs.
This project has provided UI with the tools to grow sustainably and continue making a meaningful impact in the Upstate region. By uniting technology with purpose, 21 ads media has ensured that Upstate International’s digital presence is as powerful and dynamic as the mission it supports.
