Announcing the New WCCS Website: A Year-Long Journey of Dedication and Growth
By WCCS
Published On: December 23, 2024
After the new WCCS logo was officially approved at the AGM 202 in Veracruz, Mexico, and the implementation process began in September, I’m thrilled to share that the new WCCS website is finally completed too! The process has been a labor of love, but seeing the final product makes it all worth it. Let me walk you through this journey — from concept to completion — and highlight some exciting new features we’re proud to share with you.
If you haven’t had the chance to explore the revamped WCCS website yet, stop reading and check it out now! The updated site features a sleek new design, user-friendly navigation, and a fresh alumni testimonial video that we’re especially proud of. A huge thank you to the WCCS alumni who contributed! While not all submissions could be included in the video, we plan to use them in a future testimonial series on our social media platforms.
Where It All Began
When I was elected Director of Public Relations at the AGM 2023 in Québec, Canada, I was eager to make an impact. The need for a modernized website had been clear for some time, as the previous version had become outdated post-pandemic. I firmly believed that a refreshed online presence would help grow the WCCS, serving as a digital “business card” for the organisation. Little did I know how much effort and persistence this project would require!
Conceptualizing the Vision
By October 2023, I was ready to dive in. While I had some basic tech skills, building a website from scratch was uncharted territory for me. I started by analyzing the old site — making lists of what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved. My goal was to create a site that was modern, intuitive, and engaging for members and visitors alike.
From there, I created a vision board, experimenting with colors, layouts, and content ideas. This involved endless hours of research, drawing inspiration from hundreds of websites, and countless iterations of the design. By early 2024, I had a solid design and navigation plan.
As I worked on the new design, it became clear that an updated logo — and its accompanying color scheme — was also needed. So, I added one more task to my growing to-do list, experimenting with dozens of logo concepts until landing on the final version, which was officially approved at the AGM 2024.
Content Creation and Collaboration
Designing the website was just one part of the puzzle. The content had to be compelling, accurate, and aligned with our mission. This was a collaborative effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to the 2023/2024 Board of Directors for their contributions and support. Together, we updated key documents and created a concise explanation of what the WCCS is and the benefits it offers.
One standout feature is the alumni testimonial video. I wanted prospective and current members to see — not just read — how WCCS can make a lasting impact during their studies and beyond. With the help of the Marketing Committee, we planned the video, reached out to over 100 alumni, and curated their responses into a powerful, inspiring piece.
From Vision to Reality
By January 2024, the design and most of the content were ready — but turning it into a functioning website was the next challenge. With my demanding schedule as a final-year student working 50+ hours a week in a hospital, I knew I couldn’t do this alone. To ensure the website would be sustainable for future PR Directors, we decided to work with a professional web development team.
After careful consideration, we partnered with a South Africa-based company in April. Regular meetings with the developers began, and while progress was slower than anticipated, the site started to take shape. The initial March launch was postponed to August and eventually to November due to technical hiccups and my own commitments, including final exams.
Launching the New Website
Despite the delays, I was determined to see the project through. Even after my term as PR ended, I continued working on the site to ensure it was the best it could be. At the beginning of November 2024, the new WCCS website officially launched! While there are still minor refinements to be made — such as streamlining event registrations and payment systems — the biggest hurdles are behind us, and I couldn’t be prouder of the result.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, this project taught me invaluable lessons. I stepped out of my comfort zone, tackled challenges head-on, and learned to manage frustrations when things didn’t go as planned. Most importantly, I discovered that good things take time — and the effort was absolutely worth it. On top of that, gaining experience in project management and developing new skills in IT has been incredibly rewarding. I’m confident these skills will not only help me when I eventually create a website for my future practice but also in organizing events down the line.
Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this process. I hope the new website reflects the growth, passion, and vision of the WCCS, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves in the years to come.
Michelle Fontana,
European Regional Coordinator 2024/2025 and Past Director of Public Relations 2023/2024