Our Story
MEET THE FOUNDER
Ariona Beninato is the Founder & CEO of Collective Casting, a New York–based hybrid model management and casting agency recognized for redefining representation within fashion, beauty, and commercial media. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Ariona began her professional modeling career as a teenager, later studying Fashion Marketing at Parsons School of Design after completing coursework at Kent State University’s Fashion Program.
As a full-time model, she worked with global brands including L’Oréal, Nike, and ULTA Beauty, experiences that revealed both the possibilities, and the systemic inequities, within the industry. Motivated by the persistent lack of diversity across major agencies, Ariona founded Collective Casting in 2017 from her apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, starting with a small roster of Black models from her hometown in Cleveland.
What began as a grassroots initiative has since expanded into a respected agency and casting powerhouse, partnering with leading beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands while advocating for equitable opportunities and authentic representation. Under her leadership, Collective Casting has become known for its strategic talent development, culturally aware storytelling, and industry-shifting emphasis on inclusive beauty.
Beyond her work as an executive and creative strategist, Ariona is a multidisciplinary artist. When she’s not building companies, she can be found painting, exploring Prospect Park, or spending time with loved ones.
Ariona Beninato
MEET THE TEAM
ARIONA BENINATO
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER + FOUNDER
Ariona Beninato is the Founder & CEO of Collective Casting, leading the agency’s mission to expand representation and build equitable pathways for diverse talent across fashion, beauty, and commercial media.
GHISLAINE LEON
VICE PRESIDENT, CREATOR PARTNERSHIPS
Ghislaine León is a bilingual, bicultural creative strategist and futurist with over a decade of leadership experience in entertainment, art, fashion, and beauty. A Harlem, NY native, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Retail Management from Syracuse University. Having worked with major media platforms and consumer brands, Ghislaine now partners with startups and Fortune 500s alike to craft immersive, culturally grounded experiences for Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Her commitment to under-represented voices and innovation positions her as a thought-leader in bridging culture and commerce.
TEVIN MAJORS
CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
Tevin Majors serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Collective Casting, bringing a strong foundation in financial strategy, tax planning, and operational accounting. A graduate of Tennessee State University with continued business studies at Middle Tennessee State University, Tevin blends academic rigor with real-world expertise. As the founder of Majors Consulting, he has built a reputation for helping businesses strengthen their financial systems and make informed, growth-driven decisions. He plays an instrumental role in supporting the agency’s rapid expansion.
NICOLE PREISEL
ART DIRECTOR
Nicole is the art director and designer for Collective Casting. She is a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Advertising and Digital Design. As an NYC based designer who specializes in branding and storytelling, she has a passion for creating bold, thoughtful work with purpose. Her creative endeavors include creating 3D animations, photography, UX/UI design, and videography. In her free time, you can find her whipping up a nice cheesecake, or pushing for a new PR at the gym. Deeply inspired by Collective Casting’s core mission, she strives to bring the Collective story to life, celebrating individuality by creating pieces that honors the agency’s motto, “You are the Beauty Standard.”
RAQUEL RANSEY
PROJECT MANAGER
Raquel is the acting Program Manager for Collective Casting, where she brings thoughtful leadership and a commitment. Moved by the values and core mission of Collective Casting, she values being a part of the team. A proud woman of color, she is a Long Island University graduate and an active community supporter through her volunteer work with Food Bank NYC. A creative at heart, often found painting, playing the piano, and channeling her artistic sensibilities into passion projects. She is also a devoted mother who values family as a core source of inspiration and purpose. Guided by both passion and intention, she strives to cultivate excellence in everything she does.
Our Values
EMBRACING AFROCENTRIC BEAUTY STANDARDSPOSITIVE REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE OF COLORPROTECTIONS OF NATURAL HAIRADVOCATING FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF TALENT OF COLOR ON SET & BEHIND THE SCENESWhere It All Started
OUR STORY
Collective Casting was created by Ariona Beninato in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn in 2017 to cater to Black models due to the lack of diverse representation by major fashion agencies in New York City. While most agencies resorted to tokenism, Collective began with a small roster of all Black models based in Cleveland, Ohio.
2018
Model divisions are established in Cleveland and New York City.
Collective Casting earns 3rd place in 'Best of Cleveland' Awards for Best StartUp.
2019
Expansion of Los Angeles division and music video casting department is created.
Collective casts music videos for major artists such as Megan the Stallion “She Live" & Brent Faiyaz "Trust."
Collective’s model database expands to states such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and Las Vegas.
2020
Beyoncé names Collective Casting as a part of her 'Black Parade' a directory of Black small business owners.
With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an influencer division was started in order to create opportunites for models virtually.
After a 4-month booking hiatus, Collective casted their first music video for Joey Bada$$, “The Light.”
2021
Collective casts videos for Madonna - Hung Up & Lil Uzi - Just Wanna Rock, one of the biggest songs of 2022.
Collective hits over $300,000 paid out to models of color.
2022
Collective Casting begins to work with prominent beauty brands, such as Amika, Kiehl’s, and Garnier.
A hair division is officially created through the start of partnerships with major hair brands such as Joico, Henkel. and L'Oreal brands.
2023
Collective celebrates an MTV VMA nomination + winner of BET Hip Hop Awards Hip Hop Video and song of the Year for Lil Uzi’s - “Just Wanna Rock.”
Collective hosts first open call + model mixer event in New York City generating over 500 guests in attendance from all around the world.
Collective hits over a million dollars in model payments across the country.
2024
Major hair partnerships with Oribe and Ulta Beauty are established.
The creation of the model house is born with housing opportunities for models during their bookings in Florida, Miami, and Texas.
A New York City Model Haus is established, catering to models and creatives in the Collective Casting network that are in need of safe housing.
2025
In Season 21 of Project Runway, the spotlight wasn’t just on the designers. With a reputation for discovering next-generation talent, Collective had the honor of placing our model, Yu, on the show marking a proud milestone in the agency’s journey.