About Us

Biography

Ciano Joasil, a true Renaissance man, has made his mark in various spheres, with his unwavering commitment to excellence and inspiring accomplishments. Joasil is a Haitian-American philanthropist, fashion connoisseur, and creative artist.

Beyond his successful career endeavors, Joasil is the founder and president of United Colors of Fashion. This non-profit organization has gained widespread recognition for its mission to connect talented, under-resourced individuals with some of the world’s leading fashion houses, providing education and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

With a spirit as vibrant as his Haitian roots, Joasil is a true inspiration to all. He serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the world.

Life and Career

Ciano Joasil was born in Gonaïves, Haiti, but spent his formative years in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where he excelled academically and artistically. In 1996, Joasil moved to the United States to further his education and continue pursuing his passion for the arts. Unfortunately, his dreams were put on hold when his mother was involved in an accident that left her paralyzed. As a result, Joasil took on the role of primary caregiver for his family.

In 2004, Joasil completed his undergraduate studies in Business Administration and Management from Bloomfield College and embarked on a successful 20-year corporate career. He is a senior account executive with a Principal Financial Group, a retirement and global assets firm.

Additionally, Joasil is a trained performer in dance, music, and acting, having received education from respected institutions such as Une Ecole Nouvelle de Danse, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Newark School of the Arts], New York Conservatory of Dance, and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). With 24 years of on-stage experience, he has established himself as a skilled artist in the performing arts.

Joasil’s extensive involvement in the fashion industry throughout the years allowed him to recognize the hurdles aspiring fashion designers in New York and New Jersey face when entering this fiercely competitive industry. Driven by his philanthropic and artistic nature, in 2010, he founded United Colors of Fashion, whose mission is to provide under-resourced fashion hopefuls in the Tri-State area opportunities to interact with key industry players. This program remains the sole initiative of its kind to this day, supported by a network of donors, celebrities, and investors.

In 2010, Joasil’s philanthropic and artistic nature led him to recognize the need for a program that provides aspiring fashion designers in New York and New Jersey access to an industry that is typically difficult to enter. Joasil’s dedication to the arts and fashion industry led him to recognize a significant opportunity gap for aspiring fashion designers in New York and New Jersey. He subsequently took initiatives to establish a program that provides them access to an industry that is often beyond their reach. The program’s success is owed to the tireless efforts of the founder, along with a network of donors, celebrities, and investors who continue to support the initiative. Currently, UCOF Academy has helped over 350 fashion professionals from the Tri-State area to achieve their dreams.

Joasil’s determination has garnered support from prominent figures in the fashion industry, including Fern Mallis (creator of New York Fashion Week), Pat Cleveland, Nigel Barker, Sandi Bass, Dionne Warwick, and many others who have rallied behind the UCOF cause. His business acumen has enabled the organization to form sponsorships and partnerships with prestigious brands such as IMG Fashion, South African Airways, Wines of South Africa, Wilhelmina Models, Christo Fifth Avenue, and New York Models, among others. Through Joasil’s connections and extensive work in the industry, UCOF Academy students have been given opportunities to interact with renowned designers such as Carmen Marc Valvo|Carmen Marc Volvo (USA), Marc Bouwer (South Africa/USA), Ron & Ron (Haiti/USA), Amparo Chorda (Spain), David Tlale (South Africa), Kosibah (United Kingdom), Style Butler (Denmark), Louda Larain (Russia), Malan Breton (USA/Taiwan), Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada|Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (Spain), and many more.

Philanthropic Work

In 2010, Joasil established United Colors of Fashion (UCOF), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in New York City. UCOF’s origins are rooted in Joasil’s personal journey as a promising fashion designer who faced a difficult decision. The organization stands out from the fashion industry’s hyper-competitive and superficial reputation by demonstrating empathy and support for underprivileged youths and people living with HIV/AIDS in the early stages of its program. Its central mission is to empower young individuals by leveraging the transformative potential of fashion.

Joasil’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond his role at UCOF. He is a board member and production director of MediNova NY, a non-profit organization in New York City dedicated to advancing the lives of Haitians. The organization raises funds through annual fundraising galas and donor partnerships to build urgent care and clinics in Caracol and Fort-Liberté, Haiti. MediNova NY provides medical care to underprivileged individuals with limited access to such services. In addition to providing medical services, MediNova NY regularly organizes mission trips with medical professionals and volunteers to support the community further.

Faith

Joasil is an evangelical Christian who was ordained into the Pastoral Office in February 2020 in Brooklyn, NY.