Andrea Todaro
President & Founder, Innovative Placements of WNY
Andrea Todaro is one of Western New York's most successful job developers, with over two decades of dedicated work in connecting talented individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment.
With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia and a Master's degree in Human Resources from Villanova University, Andrea brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to every client interaction.
Since founding Innovative Placements in 2001, Andrea has placed over 3,000 individuals into rewarding careers, achieving an impressive 94% success rate.
Andrea's Path
A career dedicated to helping others succeed
Discovered Her Calling
Working in a group home for young adults with disabilities, Andrea discovered her passion for helping others achieve independence.
Founded Innovative Placements
Driven by a desire to serve the underutilized talent pool of people with disabilities, Andrea launched her own company.
Community Leadership
Served on the BNHRA board as Workforce Readiness Director, Diversity & Inclusion Director, and Membership Director.
National Recognition
Featured on the cover of Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine and inducted into Marquis Who's Who.
3,000+ Lives Changed
Continuing to transform lives with a 94% success rate, Andrea remains dedicated to her mission every day.
Education & Expertise
Bachelor's in Psychology
State University of New York at Fredonia - Explored dual passions for psychology and music
Master's in Human Resources
Villanova University - Advanced expertise to engineer people's growth in their careers
20+ Years Experience
Specialized in vocational counseling, job analysis, regulatory compliance, and crisis intervention
State Partnerships
Certified partner with ACCES-VR and New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)
Awards & Honors
Women of Influence
Recognized by Buffalo Business First for making a significant difference in Western New York
Marquis Who's Who
Inducted into the prestigious biographical registry in 2021 for professional achievements
Diversity Excellence Award
Honored by BNHRA for championing employment opportunities for all abilities
The 3 D's of Success
Andrea's guiding principles for achieving your goals
Dedication
Commit fully to your goals. Put yourself out there and give your best effort every single day.
Determination
Scan for opportunities and seize them. Never give up, even when the path seems difficult.
Drive
Follow through on your commitments. If you are passionate and talented, you can accomplish anything.
A Voice for Inspiration
What many don't know is that Andrea is also an accomplished opera singer with over 20 years of performance experience. Named after her grandmother who was a famous opera singer in Barcelona, music has always been a part of Andrea's soul.
She made her international operatic debut in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi in Italy and has performed at venues from the New York Lyric Opera to special events at the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
"When I perform classical or Broadway music, my aim is to calm, heal, and inspire others, and to make their day a bit brighter and their step a little lighter."
Professional Memberships
Ready to Work With Andrea?
Whether you're seeking your next career opportunity or looking to build a diverse, talented team, Andrea and her team are here to help.