Jesma O'Hara is an Honorary Postdoctoral Associate at AC, with research focusing on social enterprise business models. Jesma is a founding executive director of Neighbours Aid, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2002 to raise funds for educational, vocational and medical projects in the majority world.

Jesma's research focus has centred on the use of a social enterprise business model generating financial, social and spiritual capital in Australian and majority world communities. She also has an interest in governance, having served as a board member and then chair of a Christian school that operated a P-12 campus, an indigenous school, and six child care centres.

Jesma’s current research investigates the interplay between faith, philosophy, and innovative economic models to address pressing societal challenges. It explores the theological and philosophical underpinnings of the circular economy, framing it as an expression of stewardship while also analysing the role of social enterprises in advancing holistic community development and well-being within Australia. Her research examines how diverse ideological frameworks—religious and secular—inform these initiatives, and evaluates their successes and challenges in engaging local communities.

DMin (Alphacrucis University College)
Dissertation Title An Evaluation of Neighbours Aid: A Case Study of an Australian Social Enterprise Business Raising Funds for Development Projects in the Majority World 2023

MA (Macquarie University) 2003