Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Todaro is the president and sole proprietor of Innovative Placements, a Western New York-based employment services firm she has led for more than 25 years. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in music therapy from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1995, she began her career as a job placement specialist, dedicating herself to helping individuals with disabilities build meaningful careers. Over the years, Andrea expanded her company's services to include vocational evaluations, work-readiness training, career coaching, employment retention, and job placement for individuals with disabilities, refugees, and other underserved populations. Through partnerships with organizations such as NYSCB, ACCES-VR, and HEAL International, she has helped countless individuals overcome barriers to employment while advocating for more inclusive workplaces throughout Western New York.
Andrea's leadership and commitment to community impact have earned her numerous accolades, including Buffalo Business First's 2020 Women of Influence Award and the 2021 Influential Woman Award in the Entrepreneur category. A certified professional life coach, she is recognized for combining empathy with innovation, continually adapting to changes in workforce development through technology, strategic partnerships, and creative problem-solving. She believes that passion, tenacity, and resourcefulness are the driving forces behind sustainable success, and she encourages the next generation of women leaders to pursue careers rooted in purpose while embracing innovation and change.
Beyond her work in human services, Andrea has built an accomplished career as an opera singer and musical theater performer, appearing in productions throughout New York, Florida, Italy, and beyond. Rather than viewing her artistic pursuits and professional career as competing paths, she has embraced both, demonstrating that a fulfilling life does not require sacrificing one passion for another. Her experiences on the stage have strengthened the communication, confidence, creativity, and resilience she brings to her leadership, while her work empowering others has given even greater meaning to her artistry. Andrea's story reflects a powerful message: success is not about choosing between creativity and service—it is about finding ways for both to enrich one another, proving that you never have to give up one calling to pursue another.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. I've always viewed my work as a mission rather than simply a career, which has given me the determination to navigate changing funding landscapes, evolving policies, and shifting workforce needs over the past 25 years. Success also comes from being willing to think creatively, develop innovative solutions, and continuously look for better ways to serve both my clients and the organizations I partner with. When you genuinely believe in your purpose, challenges become opportunities to grow and make a greater impact.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let the misconception that human services can't provide a successful or rewarding career discourage you. If you're passionate about helping others, committed to excellence, and willing to be resourceful, there is tremendous opportunity to build a meaningful and fulfilling profession. Stay curious, embrace new technologies, keep pace with changes in policy and workforce trends, and never stop learning. Your creativity and resilience will set you apart just as much as your technical knowledge.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges our industry faces is funding uncertainty, including contract freezes, increasingly complex regulations, and the loss of diversity among subcontractors. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in innovation. Technology allows us to streamline administrative processes, improve efficiency, and spend more time focusing on the people we serve. I've embraced that mindset by developing tools that reduce reporting time and improve service delivery. There is also an important opportunity to continue educating employers about the value of hiring individuals with disabilities and demonstrating the measurable benefits of creating more inclusive workplaces.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me every day are passion, tenacity, empathy, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of social responsibility. I believe meaningful work begins with caring about people and remaining committed even when obstacles arise. Whether I'm helping someone secure meaningful employment, mentoring others, or performing on stage, I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and creativity. Those values have shaped both my professional journey and my personal life, and they continue to inspire everything I do.
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