WAAC Author & Educator Network Platform

The problem

WAAC wanted to create a private, invite-only platform that connects authors, educators, schools, and organizations for school visits. The project began with discovery sessions, followed by board approval and funding before development commenced. The platform was built using Softr and Airtable with role-based onboarding, searchable member profiles, admin approvals, and custom workflows. Throughout development, multiple rounds of board feedback refined the design, branding, search experience, and onboarding process. Additional custom functionality was implemented for location handling, state-based search, profile management, and automated approval workflows. After extensive testing and iterative improvements, the platform was prepared for production launch with all test accounts removed and an invite-only onboarding process.

What we built

Built a comprehensive member network using Softr and Airtable for the Washington Authors & Artists Council. The platform includes role-based onboarding, secure authentication, invite-only registration, member directories, searchable author profiles, approval workflows, administrative dashboards, automated email notifications, and profile management. Custom workflows were developed to support board review processes, user approvals, branding customization, and location-based discovery. Due to platform limitations, the original ZIP-radius search requirement evolved into a state-based search solution with ZIP code validation and automatic city/state mapping. Multiple design iterations aligned the application with the organization's branding and reference designs while ensuring a streamlined experience for administrators and members. The final solution provides a scalable community portal that simplifies onboarding, member discovery, and ongoing network management.

• Invite-only registration with secure authentication.
• Role-based onboarding for authors, educators, schools and organizations.
• Searchable member directory with author profiles.
• Board review and approval workflows before a member goes live.
• Administrative dashboards with automated email notifications.
• State-based search with ZIP validation and automatic city and state mapping.

How we built it

Softr and Airtable carry the network, with approval workflows built around the board review the organization already ran. Invite-only registration is enforced at signup rather than moderated after the fact.

The original requirement was ZIP-radius search. Platform limits made true radius search unworkable, so it became state-based search with ZIP validation and automatic city and state mapping, which covers the real use case of finding an author who will visit your school.