I Heart Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler made the Time 100 list this year (yes! She is brilliant and funny and smart and totally deserved to be on this list. She's listed alongside the likes of Aung San Suu Kyi, Joseph Stiglitz, Michelle Obama, Geoffrey Canada, Matthew Weiner, Jennifer Egan, the CEO of Netflix...and Justin Bieber?!).

At the Time 100 Gala Amy gave this wonderful speech:

(She was introduced by Time executive editor Jim Frederick; and her speech followed the one given by preacher Rob Bell).

Well, when I met Jim five minutes ago, I told him, "Move over! I'm a righty. And don't let me follow a preacher." Thanks for nothing, Jim. When Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live and I hosted this awards show in 2008, I remember thinking it would be really nice if we were to make this list together. And tonight, I am happy to say that it is just as sweet making the list without him.
I have so much influence. I am lousy with influence. I am what you call a connector. Bruno Mars is not here, but if he was, he would meet Aziz Ansari tonight, because I would introduce them. Chris Colfer, have you ever met Martha Stewart? Because I can make that happen. Jonathan Franzen and Patti Smith are sitting at the same table. I know that because I'm on the list. If you shook my hand tonight, you might not want to drive home because you might be pulled over for a DUI.
But tonight, I'm genuinely very humbled and honored to be part of this evening, so I would like to take my remaining minute to um...I have thought very hard and long about what has influenced me over the past couple of years. Since I have been at this dinner in 2008, I have given birth to two boys, and I've left Saturday Night Live, and I started my own TV show; and it's been a crazy couple of years. And I thought who besides Madam Secretary Clinton and Lorne Michaels have influenced me? And it was the women who helped me take care of my children. It is Jackie Johnson from Trinidad and it is Dal [couldn't make out last name] from Tibet, who come to my house and help me raise my children. And for you working women who are out there tonight who get to do what you get to do because there are wonderful people who help you at home... I would like to take a moment to thank those people, some of whom are watching their children right now, while you're at this event. Those are people who love your children as much as you do, and who inspire them and influence them. And on behalf of every sister and mother and person who stands in your kitchen and helps you love your child, I say thank you and I celebrate you tonight.

Funny and heartfelt. I love the last part of her speech -- it's great she acknowledges all the "backstage support" she gets from her hired help, and how important of a role they have in her and her children's lives. I love that Amy Poehler.