Julianna Margulies

TIME 100 2015 Julianna Margulies
Ian Allen for TIME

An advocate on and off the screen

When I met Julianna Margulies last year, it didn’t take long to recognize a kindred spirit. It wasn’t just that we quickly began finishing each other’s sentences. It was her passion, fearlessness, empathy and an unwavering determination to make a difference in people’s lives off the screen that resonated with me.

We began talking about Erin’s Law, a bill she has been fighting to get passed that’s named after Erin Merryn, who was sexually abused as a child for years but never told anyone because she was ashamed. Julianna said, “Erin’s Law has passed in 19 states, and Erin will not stop until all 50 have it. Until we give every kid a voice.”

But you could tell Julianna isn’t going to stop either. She puts her heart and soul into every issue she cares about. She’s not afraid to dream big and do what she loves, whether it’s in her acting career, in her advocacy or being a mom. It’s because of women like Julianna that I know we can and will change the world.

Gillibrand is a U.S. Senator from New York

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