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Grace Strobel        

Model & Down Syndrome Advocate

Grace Strobel is a full-time model, brand representative, and speaker, giving powerful talks about ability awareness and inclusion. Diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, Strobel has been unwavering in her advocacy for people with disabilities. Her interest in modeling was sparked while researching for her presentation about living with disability, which she began after experiencing bullying in high school in 2018. This endeavor, known as #TheGraceEffect, is an intimate portrayal of a day in her life and has been presented to over 3000 students to highlight the harmful effects of bullying.

Strobel has made quite an impact in the fashion industry, becoming the first American with Down syndrome to represent a major international skincare line. She was named Obagi's Skinclusion Ambassador in October 2020 and has been signed for a third year of contract representation. Her work has been widely recognized; she has been featured in 15 different magazines, including three cover stories, one of which was for Chesterfield Lifestyle Magazine in February 2019.

Strobel's work extends beyond modeling and speaking engagements. She is also a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award for Youth Outreach in 2021 and the Watson Family Achievement Award by the Pujols Family Foundation in 2022. Inspired by fellow models with Down syndrome, Madeline Stuart and Ellie Goldstein, and supported by her parents, Linda and Jeff Strobel, Grace continues her campaign of acceptance and illumination of the gifts and talents of all people. Her resounding message of inclusivity has reached a broad audience, as evidenced by her appearances on "The TODAY Show" and her contracts with three different modeling agencies.

News


Grace Strobel Knows How Good Her Skin Looks
Grace Strobel's advice for everyone is simple: "Be confident. Believe in yourself. Work hard, and don't give up. Just go on." However, society-at-large has historically made people like her feel like they can't do any of those things. As the first model with Down syndrome to be the face of an American skin-care brand, the 24-year-old is ready and willing to prove doubters wrong and celebrate herself and others with disabilities.
Model with Down syndrome shares an inspiring message of kindness and respect
A young woman with Down syndrome is following her dream of being a model, and inspiring countless others in the process. When Grace Strobel, 23, was born with Down syndrome, a genetic counselor told her parents about all the things she would struggle with, from reading and writing to tying her shoes. But her parents wanted to focus on their daughter’s potential, not just her limitations.
This Down Syndrome Activist Is Helping Students Learn How to Treat Others With Respect
When model, speaker, and Down syndrome advocate Grace Strobel was bullied in high school in 2018, she felt alone and hated by her classmates. "I cried so hard I couldn't stop. I died inside," the now 24-year-old tells HelloGiggles. Yet while she could have let that situation defeat her, she instead decided to use it as inspiration to make a difference in others' lives.
Model with Down syndrome spreads powerful message through stunning photos
When bullies teased about her differences, Grace Strobel wasn’t going to take it sitting down. She decided to fight hate with education. With the help of her mother, she spent weeks researching and organizing a presentation aptly titled #TheGraceEffect which she presented to her peers.

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