Grace Strobel on when she decided to become an advocate for people with Down syndrome: ‘You can change someone’s life by being kind’

Grace Strobel is making a difference in the world through her work as an advocate for people with Down syndrome and embracing her beauty as a model.

The Missouri native says she's been underestimated since she was born, recalling what the doctors had told Strobel's parents about raising a daughter with Down syndrome.

Fortunately for her, Strobel's parents continued to be their daughter's biggest supporter, reminding her to "work hard, be strong and that Down syndrome does not define me," she says. Their words even helped to get her through some of the more difficult times of her life.

"About three years ago, some kids started making fun of me. When they laughed at me that day, I felt alone and hated... I cried so hard I died inside," Strobel recalls. "That is when I decided I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to show how you can change someone’s life by being kind and giving respect."

With that mission in mind, Strobel founded a program called "The Grace Effect" where she goes around to different schools and talks to students about what it is like to live with Down syndrome. "It teaches the kids about having struggles," she explains.

But her work at schools is only one part of Strobel's efforts to educate others about Down syndrome, as she also aims to create representation by working as a model. To date, she's appeared in 15 magazines.

"I love modeling because it makes me feel good about myself and it helps others to believe in themselves," she says.

Video Transcript

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: What do you think is the biggest misconception or stereotype about people living with Down syndrome?

GRACE STROBEL: The day I was born, doctors told my mom and dad that I would not achieve much, that I would never read or write or even tie my own shoes. I'm here today to tell you they were wrong. Let no one tell you what you can or cannot achieve. Push those boundaries and live.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: Hey, everyone. Welcome to "Unmuted." I'm Brittany Jones-Cooper, and today I'm chatting with Grace Strobel, a Down syndrome advocate and speaker who's sharing her message of kindness. Welcome, Grace.

GRACE STROBEL: Hello.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: Growing up, what did your parents teach you about Down syndrome?

GRACE STROBEL: Well, my parents taught me to work hard, be strong, and that Down syndrome does not define me.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: So what was it like for you experiencing bullying in the past, and how did that inspire you to become a speaker?

GRACE STROBEL: About three years ago, some kids started making fun of me. When they laughed at me that day, I felt othered and hated, but I cried so hard I died inside. That is when I decided I wanted to make a difference, and I wanted to show how you can change someone's life by being kind and giving respect.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: After you experienced bullying, in 2018 you started the Grace Effect, which is a presentation for young kids about the importance of kindness. Can you tell me more about that?

GRACE STROBEL: [INAUDIBLE] Grace Effect is a presentation I gave to schools about my life and having Down syndrome. It teaches the kids about having struggles.

Oh yeah, that's me. I look a little different than you, but I'm here to tell you a little bit about myself.

I wonder what you feel like when you see someone who looks a little different.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: That is so cool. You know, it creates empathy and respect for other people's experiences, which is just so important.

GRACE STROBEL: Do you one kind thing. Pass it on.

[APPLAUSE]

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: You continue to push those boundaries. You became a model, and you've been in 15 different magazines. What do you love about modeling, Grace?

GRACE STROBEL: I love modeling Grace because it makes me feel good about myself, and it helps others to believe in themselves.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: And you recently got to meet Rihanna, I heard, at a Fenty Beauty party.

GRACE STROBEL: It was so exciting. She was so sweet and kind and pretty.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: Oh, she's beautiful. At 24 years old, you've accomplished so much. What does it feel like to be a role model for other people?

GRACE STROBEL: Oh, it feels awesome. I think my modeling and speaking show it is possible. It helps others to believe in themselves. Be confident. Believe in yourself. Work hard, and never give up.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: You are definitely inspiring so many people to believe in themselves.

GRACE STROBEL: I know. I love it.

BRITTANY JONES-COOPER: Grace, I want to thank you for joining us today and reminding us all to push down those boundaries. You're such a beautiful example of that.

GRACE STROBEL: Well, thank you.