In the most recent installment of the Against All Odds speaker series, produced by the TCU Neeley Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Maiden twins shared personal experiences of breaking barriers with an audience of students, alumni and business leaders.
February 21, 2024
By Winter Harris
Terrence and Tim Maiden are a dynamic duo, TCU football legends, and leaders in their respective industries who positively impact their communities. They returned to campus during Black History Month as the featured guests of the Against All Odds speaker series, powered by Bank of America.
The twin brothers were standout football players at TCU in the late 1990s, and instrumental in their teams’ conference championships. Terrence and Tim are now thriving in commercial banking and real estate entrepreneurship careers while also continuing their lifelong commitment to supporting their communities.
“The paths that we pursued professionally really align with some inequities and some gaps that we were exposed to early. I think the reason we’ve been so successful and supported by our community is because we understand how to align those resources to really make a visible impact,” Tim said.
The Against All Odds speaker series is hosted by TCU Neeley’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and is a program designated to amplify diverse voices in the global business community.
In Neeley’s Shaddock Auditorium, the Maiden brothers discussed their inspiring journey from South Dallas to TCU and post collegiate life. Raised in Oak Cliff, the brothers grew up in a values-based community that allowed them to gain experiences that would shape their lives.
Hettie Richardson, Neeley’s interim dean, welcomed the audience of students, alumni and business leaders to campus and encouraged attendees to listen to the advice and experiences shared by the Maiden brothers because there are lessons to be learned in facing challenges and overcoming obstacles.
David Russell, a member of the Neeley Board of Advisors, served as the event moderator leading the Maiden twins through a series of questions and guiding the discussion. Russell opened by asking the brothers for their definition of grit and when they first had to use it.
“Imagine having to run a mile and then you see a hill. Then you have to sprint up the hill. That sprint is grit. It’s being willing to sacrifice, do the extra work and to grind it out,” said Terrence.
Tim said he first experienced grit as a high school football player who had very little playing time going into his senior year, unlike his highly recruited twin brother. Still, he dreamed of playing college football.
“There was a lot of pressure for me to perform. I realized in order for me to achieve this goal, it was going to take more...more sacrifice, more of a commitment. All of that time I put in, I was able to get exposure and opportunity to get a scholarship at TCU,” Tim said.
The lessons they learned at TCU are still remembered today. When describing the impact of mentors and others who have supported them professionally and personally, they each shared personal experiences and brought up their time at TCU.
They talked about their transition after college and how their coaches and mentors assisted them in entering their current industries. From starting their careers teaching education to middle school students in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the Maiden brothers now specialize in community development, real estate, and finance.
Their motto is “Build a community and change lives.” Dedicated to assisting the next generation with education, workforce development, and career exposure, the brothers created Two Wins, a nonprofit focused on educational attainment, career mobility, and leadership development in marginalized communities. They are also the founders of the Maiden Foundation, an organization dedicated to investing in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Their philanthropic goals align with their professional careers. Terrence is the current CEO of Russell Glen, a real estate development and investment company based in Dallas. With more than two decades of experience, he has developed many vital areas of Southern Dallas’ growing economy.
Tim, who recently started a new role at Comerica Bank, has been involved with the finance industry since 2001, participating in over $350M of capital transactions. An expert in community banking, public finance, and commercial real estate, he has additionally served on leadership boards for Goodwill Industries of Dallas, the Trust for Public Land of Texas, Dallas City Homes, Duncanville Outreach Ministry and others.
Their stories inspired many members of the audience, including Dynasty Coe, a sophomore Finance major.
“It was extremely inspiring to hear their story,” she said. “I am also from South Dallas and hearing stories like these keep me motivated.”
