Politics Hillary Clinton Nods to Friendship with America Ferrera — and Reveals Her Granddaughter's Thoughts on Barbie "I've been really blessed to see America and [her husband] Ryan and their kids in very informal settings," Clinton said, recalling a recent pizza party she hosted with them. "They've gotten to know my grandchildren" By Jordan Greene Jordan Greene Jordan Greene is Society and Culture writer-reporter at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Her work has previously appeared on TODAY.com, The Forward and The Daily Orange. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 8, 2023 03:57PM EST Close Hillary Clinton says she and America Ferrera hold a special friendship. Photo: Paolo Blocco/WireImage; Mike Marsland/WireImage Hillary Clinton is opening up about her friendship with America Ferrera — and how lucky she is to have the actress in her life. At Glamour's Women of the Year Awards in New York City on Tuesday, Clinton, 76, presented Ferrera, 39, with the award for first-ever global Global Women of the Year. Ferrera, best known for her roles in Barbie and Ugly Betty, and actress Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things were unveiled as the award's recipients in October. In Clinton's speech, the former secretary of state acknowledged Ferrera's work on her 2008 presidential campaign, when they became acquainted. (Ferrera helped engage youth voters through the "Hillblazers" movement, which she led with Chelsea Clinton and actress Amber Tamblyn.) "I have to just say that for me, getting to know America and the joyful group of gutsy women that traveled with her in those days in 2008 means that I could not be happier to be here today to see her receive this award," Clinton said. "She is determined. She's brilliant. She uses her platform and power to amplify women's voices, particularly Latino voices, and fight for equality for all." Selma Blair, Millie Bobby Brown and America Ferrera Dress Up for Glamour's Women of the Year Awards Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton present an award to America Ferrera onstage during Glamour Women of the Year 2023. Jamie McCarthy/Getty While the two women share many memories together, Clinton said she'll always remember hosting Ferrera's family for a pizza party over the summer. At the party, Clinton's 9-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte, went up to Ferrera and told her how great she was in Barbie. "I have been really blessed to see America and [her husband] Ryan and their kids in very informal settings," Clinton said. "They've gotten to know my grandchildren." "Tonight we honor her for her pursuit of justice and equality from speaking on behalf of millions at the Women's March to her work, supporting victims of sexual harassment with Time's Up to bringing people together to amplify their power and tell their stories," she continued. Read the Powerful 'Barbie' Monologue About Being a Woman That America Ferrera Performed '30 to 50' Times Eva Longoria, Chelsea Clinton, Hillary Clinton, America Ferrera and Bill Clinton wave to the crowd on stage during the Hillary Clinton campaign rally at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in Las Vegas on Friday night,. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call In 2016, Ferrera and Lena Dunham spoke at day two of the Democratic National Convention, where Ferrera vocalized her unwavering support for Clinton. Not long after, Ferrera appeared on The Late Night Show with James Corden, where she spoke about going to a private lunch with the politician. "It was wonderful. It was amazing," Ferrera said on the show. "I'd been really itching to say thank you to her for everything she did. You know, all the decency, integrity she showed while running against someone who is maybe not the nicest in my view."