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American model, brand representative, and motivational speaker From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Grace Elizabeth Strobel (born 28 June 1996) is a St. Louis-based model, brand representative, and motivational speaker. She is the first American with Down syndrome to represent a major international skincare line.[1] She is an advocate for people with disabilities "whose mission is to change society's view and perception of people with disabilities".[2]
Grace Elizabeth Strobel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 28, 1996 Irvine, California, U.S.A. |
| Occupation(s) | Model, Brand Representative, Speaker |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Agent(s) | InVu Model and Talent, Zebedee Talent, Gamut Management |
| Known for | Down Syndrome Model and Youth Outreach Speaker |
| Awards | Women of Achievement (for Youth Outreach), 2021; Watson Family Achievement Award, Pujols Family Foundation, 2022 |
In 2022, the St. Louis-based Missouri Historical Society documented Grace's achievements by adding seven of her donated clothing items to its permanent collection, noting, "It was important to the Missouri Historical Society team to bring Grace's garments into our permanent collection for several reasons," says Adam MacPhàrlain, curator of clothing and textiles for MHS, in a press release. "First, because these garments share Grace's story – a local woman doing notable work both with her modeling career as well as public speaking.
"And second, when collecting around disability, we often default to stereotypical representations of life with a disability, such as collecting mobility devices or T-shirts promoting disability rights and recognition. These are important pieces to collect, but it's also important to show the diverse and active lives people with disabilities have. The clothing Grace donated demonstrates her career and her personal style and doesn't focus on Down syndrome as a negative."[3][4]
Grace was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder featuring an extra chromosome that results in developmental and intellectual delays. Her parents, Linda and Jeff Strobel, were told their daughter would face a lifetime of challenges and likely never read or write. The Strobels determined those predictions would not stop Grace from achieving everything she wanted in life, and embarked on a journey of therapeutic exercises, home schooling, and eventually, public school. Despite all the challenges, Strobel was determined. "Doctors told my mom and dad that I would not achieve much ... that I would never even tie my own shoes," she said. "I'm here today to tell you they were wrong."[5]
Her interest in modeling began when she was conducting research for #TheGraceEffect, a presentation about living with disability that she gives to students. She discovered Madeline Stuart and Ellie Goldstein, also models with Down syndrome, which inspired Strobel to wonder if she too could become a model.[6] Grace has been featured in Forbes,[6] Allure,[7] Brides and Vows Magazine,[8] PBS,[9] The Today Show,[10] and FentyBeauty.[11]
After a viral post, Strobel was featured on the cover of Chesterfield Lifestyle Magazine in February 2019.[12]
Grace has been featured in campaigns by Rihanna's FentyBeauty,[11] Obagi skincare,[1] Alivia,[6] Justin Alexander,[8] Kendra Scott,[13] and Veronica Beard.[14]
She has walked the Atlantic City Fashion Week runway 2019 for designer Ola Hawatmeh[15] and New York Fashion Week runway for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive / Runway of Dreams 2020.[4]
In October 2020, Grace was named Obagi's Skinclusion Ambassador[16] and recently signed for her third year of contract representation.
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