Babbage Cofounder Leaders Named 2024 Kentucky Notable Women
Three Leaders from Babbage Cofounder Honored Among Notable Women in Kentucky Politics & Government
Photo courtesy of The Kentucky Gazette
In a year marked by powerful women shaping public policy and civic progress, Julie Babbage Laungani, Dr. Rebecca Hartsough, and Sarah Wood of Babbage Cofounder have each been recognized on the Notable Women in Kentucky Politics and Government list — an annual honor celebrating outstanding leadership, influence, and impact across the Commonwealth. We celebrate Babbage Laungani’s and Hartsough’s inclusion for several consecutive years and congratulate Sarah Wood on her first time receiving the distinction.
This recognition places these three women among Kentucky’s most accomplished public policy professionals, highlighting not only their individual achievements but also the firm’s commitment to elevating women leaders in government affairs and advocacy.
“I am extremely proud to say that all three women at Babbage Cofounder were named to this list,” said Bob Babbage, the firm’s founder. “It is a well-deserved honor for three women who work tirelessly and lead with expertise, conviction, and measurable impact.”
Photo courtesy of The Kentucky Gazette
More About The Honorees:
Julie Babbage Laungani: Strategic Leadership and Nationwide Advocacy
As Partner at Babbage Cofounder, Julie Babbage Laungani plays a central role in guiding the firm’s work across a diverse set of causes. A Lexington native with deep roots in Kentucky politics, Julie has shaped advocacy campaigns nationwide and helped secure meaningful policy outcomes on issues such as drug affordability.
Her multiple appearances on the Notable Women in Kentucky Politics and Government list reflect her ongoing influence in both state and national arenas — demonstrating her consistent ability to drive results and build consensus among leaders at every level.
Dr. Rebecca Hartsough: Policy Expertise Driving Real Impact
Dr. Rebecca Hartsough, Senior Policy Director for Babbage Cofounder, is celebrated for her exceptional work developing and directing legislative and executive policy strategies. With a Ph.D. in political science and quantitative methods, she has translated complex policy issues into actionable strategy, advancing major legislative efforts that benefit communities across Kentucky.
Rebecca’s leadership on transformative legislation — including programs that leverage federal funding for economic revitalization and public health innovation — underscores her ability to shape outcomes that matter. Her repeated inclusion on the Notable Women list reflects widespread respect for her expertise and results-driven approach.
Sarah Wood: Advocacy, Global Perspective, and Legislative Impact
Recognized for her role as a Policy Advisor, Sarah Wood brings a global and deeply engaged perspective to her work at Babbage Cofounder. A Fulbright Fellow and graduate of the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, Sarah’s background in international relations and policy research has shaped her approach to addressing complex issues at home.
At Babbage Cofounder, she has been integral to driving legislative efforts in areas such as health reform, energy policy, and aviation. Sarah’s inclusion on the Notable Women in Kentucky list highlights both her advocacy achievements and her role as an emerging leader in public policy.
Recognition originally published in The Kentucky Gazette’s Notable Women in Kentucky Politics & Government 2024. View the full publication here.
