Babbit began acting at the Cleveland Play House at the age of seven, later moving into stage management and lighting. She studied West African Studies at Barnard College (graduating in 1993) and began taking film classes at New York University during her summer vacations.
At seven years old, Babbit began acting with the Cleveland Play House. Later, she worked as a stage manager and light designer. She studied West African Studies at Barnard College (graduating in 1993) and took film classes during her summer breaks at New York University.