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Art & Culture

Abbi Jacobson on Amy Poehler’s Mentorship and Building New Pathways for Creators

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image by Ryan Pfluger

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image by Ryan Pfluger

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

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Abbi Jacobson is a comedian, writer, and actress best known for co-creating Broad City and A League of Their Own. Her work continues to break ground in comedy and storytelling, offering bold, queer, feminist perspectives across television, film, and publishing, and redefining what inclusive, authentic representation can look like.

The Shift:

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you, and what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

Abbi:

Amy Poehler. Amy has consistently been a source of inspiration for me. She taught us so much while we made Broad City that I’ve carried with me into every other project I’ve worked on. She is expansive in her work and the way she works, and always aims toward deep rooted community, comedy and heart.

The Shift:

Who are three women that inspire you?

Abbi:

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, AOC, and my wife, Jodi Balfour

The Shift:

In honor of Gloria Steinem’s 90 years of advocacy, what do you believe is her most enduring contribution to women’s empowerment, and how has it inspired your own journey?

Abbi:

Gloria has done so much for women’s empowerment and equality. She is a pioneer in badassery. I often look to her confidence, her empathy, and her bringing people together to make change as inspiration. Her boldness to make moves before others and tenacity to always use your voice for those who can’t.

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Abbi Jacobson is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.