Grace Strobel

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.

She is an advocate for people with disabilities "whose mission is to change society's view and perception of people with disabilities".

Strobel was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder featuring an extra chromosome that results in developmental and intellectual delays.

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.

After a viral post, Strobel was featured on the cover of Chesterfield Lifestyle Magazine in February 2019.

In October 2020, Grace was named Obagi's Skinclusion Ambassador and recently signed for her third year of contract representation.

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.”

In 2022, Grace was presented with the Watson Family Achievement Award from the Pujols Family Foundation for #TheGraceEffect.

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.”