Tamarae Tabaka
Tamarae Tabaka is an Office Manager and Executive Assistant at Gildan Activewear based in the Charleston, South Carolina metropolitan area. She has built a decade-long career with the company, supporting senior leadership across Sales, Marketing, Distribution, Human Resources, Merchandising, and Finance. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, she plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations, coordinating executive-level schedules, managing office functions, and executing high-profile corporate events and initiatives.
Throughout her tenure at Gildan, Tamarae has supported a wide range of organizational priorities, from executive travel and board meetings to large-scale corporate events and community sponsorships. She is highly involved in the company’s community relations and ESG efforts, helping coordinate volunteer activities and charitable partnerships with organizations such as the South Carolina Aquarium, Lowcountry Food Bank, and HALOS. Her work reflects a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and employee engagement, often helping connect company initiatives with meaningful local impact.
Before joining Gildan, Tamarae held roles in the legal and professional services sectors, including executive assistant and paralegal positions in law firms and consulting organizations. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina while balancing work and family responsibilities, graduating cum laude. Her career is defined by adaptability, precision, and a service-oriented mindset, with a professional focus on executive support, corporate operations, event planning, and community engagement.
• University of South Carolina - BBA
• Rockstar of the Quarter (Q1 2023)
• South Carolina Aquarium
• Low Country Food Bank
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to adapt to organizational changes, maintain strong attention to detail and precision, take full ownership of my projects, and stay resilient in the face of challenges.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to work hard, stay curious, and be willing to say yes to opportunities even when you don’t feel fully ready, because that’s where real growth happens. Be bold in carving your own path, take on challenges, and don’t be afraid to figure things out as you go. At the same time, learn to care for yourself and avoid burnout by taking time to rest and understand what recharges you. Prioritize what matters most in your life, whether that’s family or career goals, and remember that it’s never too late to pursue your education or ambitions if you stay committed and resilient.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now come from major organizational changes and integrations, such as Gildan’s acquisition of Hanes, which create both complexity and the chance to streamline and improve how we work. In addition, managing event and travel logistics for high-profile functions requires a high level of coordination and precision. At the same time, sustaining resilience, adapting to constant change, and maintaining balance between professional demands and personal priorities remain ongoing challenges in this fast-paced environment.
Locations
Gildan
Charleston, SC 29492