User:Afiyabennett/sandbox

Afiya Bennett-Dickenson (born October 28, 1994) is an American model, public figure, host, and businesswoman. She was discovered at the age of 18 and competed on Team Naomi on the modelling competition show, The Face.

Bennett has appeared in elite campaigns for Tom Ford Beauty, Neutrogena, Maybelline, Fenty Beauty, Nine West, Mac Cosmetics, Nike and Levi Strauss & Co., building a very impressive portfolio over time. Her editorials credentials include Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar Brasil, Grazia Russia and Croatia issues, L'Officiel India, Glamour (magazine) South Africa, Marie Claire in the United States and Indonesia, InStyle magazine, Essence (magazine) and Self (magazine). Since 2016, Afiya has been the Global Brand Ambassador for Fiji Water taking the brand worldwide and acting as the spokesperson and headliner of their new #FIJIFIT Sports Cap Launch in New York City.

Early life
Afiya Bennett was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and rose to international fame as a model. She is one of two siblings born to Stephanie and Keith Bennett, both educators in New York City. Bennett attended Frederick Douglass Academy, and Bedford Academy High school, where she participated in extracurricular activities and sports as a teen. Her parents valued a full and well-balanced childhood for their children, encouraging them to participate in and out of the classroom. Bennett soon found interest in dance, training at the Harlem School of the Arts, and led the Volleyball varsity team as Captain for 3 years at Bedford Academy.

After receiving her high school diploma, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) for 1 year, eventually transferring to Arizona State University online program for Media and Business to pursue modeling on a more regular basis. In 2018, Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts in Media and Business from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Career
At age 13, Afiya began building her modeling career and enrolled in Barbizon Modeling School, New York location. After being scouted multiple times and eventually met Mikki Taylor. Bennett made her magazine debut in the 2010 September Issue of Essence Magazine.

At age 18, Afiya finished runner-up on Season 2 of the modelling-competition reality show The Face by Naomi Campbell, Bennett has since gone on to exceed all initial expectations in the fashion industry. . Soon after, Afiya signed with Marilyn Agency in New York City, and WM Agency in Paris.

In 2014, Afiya worked with Snoop Dogg and was featured on his 2014 single cover art for California Roll (song).

In 2016, Afiya signed with Wilhemina Models in New York City.

In 2017, Bennett was featured as a model in the launch of Fenty Beauty.

In 2018, Bennett expanded her brand, adding host and actress to her resume. She has hosted the 2018 Make-A-Wish Gala in NYC, the Ocean Drive Magazine Event during Miami Swim Week, and most recently, the FIJI Water x Soul Cycle Launch Event in New York. She scored her first movie credit in Anon (film), released in theaters earlier in 2018, starring Amanda Seyfried and Clive Owen.

In October 2018, Afiya took her first stab at entrepreneurship by launching her own luxury hat line, The Afiya Collection, available online. In launching the line, Afiya hopes to inspire the next generation of children to chase after their dreams.

2019–present: Other ventures
Bennett has worked in film, hosting and public relations.

Personal life
Afiya Bennett is married to Lloyd Dickenson. Bennett is an avid churchgoer, attributing much of her success to growing up in the church, having a relationship with God, and the support of her church family.

Featured Publications

 * November 2019: Summer Haze - Glamour Magazine South Africa
 * June 2019: The Gothic Vamp - Glamour Magazine United Kingdom
 * February 2019: Colored favelas inspire international fashion - Harper's Bazaar Brazil
 * September 2018: Game Rules - Grazia Russia

Featured Shows

 * NYFW S/S 2020: The Blonds x Moulin Rouge! The Musical S/S 20 Show 
 * NYFW F/W 2019: The Blonds
 * NYFW S/S 2019: Disney Villains x The Blonds S/S 19 Show 
 * June 2019: Edward Crutchley S/S 20 Men's Show