A Legacy of Generosity: Aisha and Stephen Gillett’s Commitment to Dragon Teachers

When Aisha and Stephen Gillett moved to Southlake in 2021 with their eight children, they quickly recognized something extraordinary about the Carroll community. As high school sweethearts who have spent the last two decades raising a large family across three different states, they understood the profound impact a strong school system can have on children and families alike. What they discovered in Carroll ISD was something uniquely special — a community deeply invested in its schools, teachers, and students.

Today, Stephen serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verily. Still, beyond professional accomplishments, the Gilletts have become known throughout Dragon Nation for their heartfelt philanthropy and unwavering support of educators through the Carroll Education Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, the Gilletts made a transformational impact at the CEF Culinary Celebration Gala by offering an extraordinary $150,000 challenge match during the paddle raise. Their generosity electrified the ballroom as bid cards flew into the air, inspiring families across the room to give more boldly and more generously in support of Dragon teachers, ultimately helping raise more than $300,000 for this year’s CEF End-of-Year Cash Teacher Appreciation Gift for all Carroll ISD classroom teachers. Let the ripple effects of the Gilletts’ generosity over the last two years extend far beyond the gala ballroom, helping to ignite a culture of radical generosity throughout the community — all in support of funding and celebrating Carroll ISD teachers.

We sat down with Aisha and Stephen to learn more about their passion for supporting educators and what being part of Dragon Nation means to their family.

How has being a Dragon shaped your family’s experience in Southlake?

“We have eight children, and over the last 20 years, we’ve been part of school systems in three different states. There’s something very special and unique about the Southlake Carroll Dragons and Carroll ISD as a whole. The sense of pride, tradition, and community involvement, the energy and engagement of the parents and students, all stand out. This is a school system and community that truly prioritizes quality education, and we’ve seen that up close. We’re proud to be part of the Carroll community!”

Why do you believe investing in our teachers is so important?

“Our Southlake teachers and their supporting teams are one of the most important parts of our community and our children’s lives. They are the heartbeat of our school community during our children’s most impressionable and formative learning years.”

What impact do you hope your generosity creates in our community?

“We want the teachers and their supporting faculty to feel deeply valued and supported by the community they serve. We hope this support is felt as more than just a single family’s gift, but through all the ways our community can rally behind their mission and their vital role in our children’s lives. If this gift helps inspire others to give in their own ways, then we will have played a small but meaningful role in helping our education community thrive.”

What does it feel like to see the community rally together for Dragon teachers?

“It’s incredibly encouraging! There’s something special about seeing a community come together around kids and educators in such a tangible way. It builds connection and pride, and it makes Southlake feel like a place where people genuinely show up for each other. It reinforces that the work teachers and their supporting teams do is truly seen and appreciated. There’s a real energy in knowing so many families want to support the people who give so much to our kids every day, and being part of that support feels special and rewarding.”

CEF is deeply grateful for the Gilletts’ belief in our work of funding Dragon Teachers and for the inspiring example they continue to set through their generosity and leadership. Through their passion for education, they are helping strengthen the foundation of Dragon Nation — one teacher and one inspired act of generosity at a time.