Grace Elizabeth Strobel

Youth Outreach

Grace Strobel is an inspirational 24-year-old model and speaker with Down syndrome. She had a vision; one that would help to bring about understanding and elevate empathy for anyone feeling different or alone.

In 2017, after a severe bullying attack, Grace turned pain into purpose and co-created #TheGraceEffect, a presentation she gives to schools about overcoming obstacles, treating people with kindness and respect, and living with a disability. She has touched well over 3,000 students in the St. Louis area and hundreds more nationally.  She is raising awareness and shifting attitudes and perceptions about what is possible for someone with a disability.

She is a catalyst for change and volunteers hundreds of hours preparing, rehearsing and speaking to students and other large groups to bring about understanding and help remove stigmas surrounding disabilities.

Grace continues to break barriers and stereotypes in her profession and has also become the first American with Down syndrome to represent a professional skincare line.