Local model with Down syndrome is 1st with national skincare job

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. – A young model with Down syndrome has landed the opportunity of a lifetime.

On Oct. 1, 2020, professional skincare company Obagi Medical released a new campaign as part of its SKINCLUSION initiative. The campaign features 23-year-old Grace Strobel, a resident of Chesterfield, on its website and social media. Strobel is the first American model with Down syndrome to represent a skincare line.

“After speaking with Grace, we knew we wanted to bring her into the Obagi family,” said Jaime Castle, Obagi President and member of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. “With elegance, humor, ambition and determination, Grace is working to change society's view of people with disabilities. Grace's successes drive awareness and acceptance of all people, and we're thrilled she's chosen Obagi to be her partner along her journey."

Strobel is a groundbreaking model and speaker who’s been making waves all over the country. Her megawatt smile and humble message about kindness and inclusion have been featured on the Today show, Lady Gaga’s Channel Kindness and Born This Way Foundation, and many STL-area publications. Strobel was also chosen as the face for the progressive clothing line Alivia’s spring 2020 collection.

We Include, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to inclusion for people with disabilities, applauds Obagi’s commitment to recognizing models of all abilities.

“Grace’s beauty in undeniable, and so is this partnership with Obagi,” says Robin Lally, founder of We Include. “Together they are empowering women of all abilities to step forward and embrace their own unique beauty and that is an incredible step forward toward inclusion.”

The CDC reports that 25% of adults in the United States live with a form of disability. However, companies rarely include individuals with disabilities in advertising. Hiring models like Strobel is an important step toward a future where people of all abilities are represented in media and marketing.

Obagi’s campaign: Obagi Announces Partnership with Grace Strobel, Model with Down Syndrome

Strobel’s portfolio, past campaigns and media coverage: Gracestrobel.com

Strobel featured on We Include: WeInclude.org

High resolution photos (credit to Trenna Travis): Grace Strobel photos

ABOUT

We Include is part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to advocate for inclusion of people with disabilities. For more information or interview requests, call (727) 489 - 5885 or email info@weinclude.org

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