Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Hannah Cox!

Meet New 1995 Society Inductee Hannah Cox!

Hannah Cox is a libertarian-conservative activist, commentator, and writer.

She is the co-founder and President of BASEDPolitics, a nonprofit that produces engaging and entertaining content that elevates free market capitalism and individual liberty.

She is also the owner of Athens Media, which partners with activists and political groups on the ground to educate and activate the masses on legislation at the state and federal level through new media and social channels, using an influencer network to help. Athens Media also offers social media and brand development training and workshops.

She is a frequent guest on many TV networks, including Fox News.

Hannah’s work revolves around the defense of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government.

Hannah served as the Sr. National Manager of Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty for nearly three years. Her work contributed to repealing capital punishment in three states. Before this appointment, Hannah previously worked for the Beacon Center of Tennessee, where she was instrumental in both free market legislation wins and pro bono economic liberty litigation. Her experience includes policies like school choice, occupational licensing, property rights, healthcare reform, tax policy, corporate welfare reform, criminal justice reform, and deregulation. She also formerly served as a brand ambassador for the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE).

Get to know more about Hannah below!

What moment or opportunity in your life played the most significant part in getting you to where you are today? 

I used my spare time during the lockdowns to launch a vodcast I’d been dreaming of since 2016 – that concept became my original show “Based” – which led to my media career and eventually the formation of my company BASED Politics.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far? 

I’ve turned down a lot of jobs and opportunities that would have advanced my career much more expediently because they simply went against my principles and belief system. Holding staunch free market and individual liberty views is often an unpopular opinion in today’s political ecosystem – algorithms, audiences, and most incentives push people to “sell out.” It’s not impossible to stay true to who you are, but it does take more grit and working twice as hard.

What piece of work or accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I’m super proud of the influencer network I’ve recently developed under my for-profit company, Athens Media. For seven years I’ve been ringing the alarm on the changing media landscape and how it will impact public policy outcomes. I’m building the guerilla army we need to fight for our rights in that new landscape and super proud of the wins we’ve already seen.

In your words, what motivates your belief in freedom? 

I hate bullies and I detest injustice. I’ve always felt compelled to fight for people who are under the boot of either.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing America today?

The Federal Reserve.

What is the next big goal or project you’re working on? How can the AF community help? 

I’m hyper-fixated on expanding our influencer network. We want to work with more aligned organizations on public policies we can advance (or kill) through our new media model that rolls comms, grassroots advocacy, lobbying, and outreach all into one!

What advice do you have for those who want to advance liberty and make a difference in our society? 

Pick an issue at the state or local level and go all in!

What are some hobbies/side gigs/secret skills no one knows about?

I love tennis, hiking with my dog Phoenix, karaoke, wine tasting, and painting by numbers.

What are you watching/reading right now? 

We just wrapped up the latest seasons of White Lotus, Traitors, Righteous Gemstones, and Love Is Blind. I’m reading the latest Hunger Games book and also listening to Gone with the Wind (for probably the 12th time).

Last question: What does winning this award mean to you? 

It means so much to be recognized by an organization that has played an instrumental part in my career development. I think fire is catching amongst the younger generations and I’m honored that the work I’m doing is striking a chord with the people best situated to effect change.