Grace Elizabeth Strobel
| |
|---|---|
| Born | (1996-06-28) 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]
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."[3]
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.
