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 | |
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 | |
| 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]
Early life
editGrace 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]
Modeling
editHer 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.
References
edit- ^ a b "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.
- ^ Travis, Photo by Trenna (2022-03-30). "St. Louis-Based Missouri Historical Society Preserves Clothes From Trailblazing Model Grace Strobel". Ladue News. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ a b LeBlanc, DeAnne (2022-03-01). "The Grace Effect: Local model is on a mission to change the world in style". WestNewsMagazine.com. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ "Grace Strobel Pushing Boundaries". Yahoo!Life. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ Abelman, Devon (2021-03-21). "Grace Strobel Knows How Good Her Skin Looks". Allure. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ a b "Bridal Fashion Week: Designer Collections". Brides. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Photography, Photos by Trotter (2021-07-09). "Meet the 2021 Women of Achievement". Ladue News. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Model with Down syndrome shares an inspiring message of kindness and respect". TODAY.com. 2019-10-14. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ a b "Chesterfield model with Down syndrome meets Rihanna at LA party". FOX 2. 2022-02-15. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Brown Patton, Julie. "Modeling True Acceptance, Forgiveness and Love". No. February 2019. Chesterfield City Lifestyle, St. Louis City Lifestyle. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "Celebrating the bonds of mothers: Kendra Scott highlights local mom and daughter in latest campaign". ksdk.com. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ LeBlanc, DeAnne (2022-03-01). "The Grace Effect: Local model is on a mission to change the world in style". WestNewsMagazine.com. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ "A St. Louis woman who is a model for diversity will hit the catwalk in Atlantic City". ksdk.com. 2019-02-12. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ Mitchell, Delia (1 October 2020). "Obagi Names Grace Strobel New Brand Ambassador". Cosmetic Executive Women. Retrieved 4 November 2023.