Grace Elizabeth Strobel | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 28, 1996 (age 27) Irvine, California, U.S.A. |
| Occupation(s) | Model, Brand Representative, Speaker |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Agent(s) | Naturally Fit Agency, 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 |
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]
Early life
Strobel was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder featuring an extra chromosome that results in developmental and intellectual delays.[3]
Modeling
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.[4]
After a viral post, Strobel was featured on the cover of Chesterfield Lifestyle Magazine in February 2019.[5]
In October 2020, Grace was named Obagi's Skinclusion Ambassador[6] and recently signed for her third year of contract representation.
Advocacy
Speaking with Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie during an appearance on the Today Show, she said, “I wanted to share with students what it's like to have struggles, and I wanted to show how we can change someone’s life just by being kind and giving respect, no matter who you are. We all want the same things: to be valued, to be respected, and to be loved.”[7]
Awards
In 2022, Grace was presented with the Watson Family Achievement Award from the Pujols Family Foundation for #TheGraceEffect.[8][9] Also 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, “The clothing Grace donated demonstrates her career and her personal style and doesn't focus on Down syndrome as a negative.”[10][11]
References
- ↑ "Obagi Announces Partnership with Down Syndrome Advocate, Grace Strobel, as new SKINCLUSION Ambassador and Face of New Obagi Clinical Cleanser". AP News. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ Communications, NYU Web. "Episode 57: Grace Strobel, Down Syndrome Advocate, Speaker, and Model". www.nyu.edu. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
- ↑ "Grace Strobel Pushing Boundaries". Yahoo!Life. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ Norlian, Allison (10 August 2020). "At 24, This Model With Down Syndrome Has Appeared On The TODAY Show And Signed With Three Different Agencies. She Says She's Just Getting Started". Forbes. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- ↑ Brown Patton, Julie. "Modeling True Acceptance, Forgiveness and Love". No. February 2019. Chesterfield City Lifestyle, St. Louis City Lifestyle. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ Mitchell, Delia (1 October 2020). "Obagi Names Grace Strobel New Brand Ambassador". Cosmetic Executive Women. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- ↑ "Down Syndrome Model Breaking Barriers". The Today Show. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ "Watson Family Achievement Award". UPI.com. December 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ "2022 Watson Family Achievement Award Winner: Grace Strobel | Pujols Family Foundation". 2023-02-15. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
- ↑ "Historical Society Preserves Clothes from Trailblazing Model". Ladue News. 30 March 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ↑ Genetti, Dominic (2022-02-09). "Model with Down syndrome, St. Louis native donating garments to Missouri Historical Society". The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Retrieved 2023-11-04.