Capital One Center Women’s History Month Spotlight: Emilka Chandler
Emilka Chandler
Senior Manager, SP+
Capital One Center
Emilka, tell us about your job
As Senior Manager at SP+, a Metropolis Company, I oversee everything parking-related at Capital One Center. I ensure our streets are safe for pedestrians and drivers, and create strategies to improve congestion during peak travel time. This includes daily traffic flow, loading dock schedules, regulation and enforcement of the streets, and the safety and wellbeing of our Traffic Control Officers.
How did you end up in a traffic and logistics/parking role?
I’ve been with SP+ for over 10 years, previously working at FedEx Field in a variety of roles ranging from a road manager, flagger, and worked my way up to command management in the security operation center. I also worked at George Mason University – which was particularly busy during graduation ceremonies.
What do you like most about working at Capital One Center?
I love that you never have the same day twice at Capital One Center. The uniqueness of each day keeps me on my toes and keeps me moving. One day our team could be focused on a private event hosted at Capital One Hall with premium valet parking services, while simultaneously hosting a baseball game at Capital One Park with oversight of the large buses for Georgetown or Marymount University baseball teams, all while tracking potential weather emergencies.
What is your favorite Capital One Center activity when you’re not on the clock?
When I’m not working, my favorite spot at Capital One Center is Starr Hill – both Starr Hill Brewpub and Starr Hill Biergarten! I especially love the Biergarten’s environment in the summer sitting outside with live music. Starr Hill Biergarten is a special place with a lot of memories, as it was the first venue to bring live music and entertainment to Capital One Center.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means being the person you needed when you were in someone else’s shoes. Every day I try to ensure my team has what they need to move up in their careers and grow. Empathy, encouragement, and taking a chance on someone are pillars of my management style, and my team knows that I walk the walk – no job is too big or below me to take on. Lastly, as a leader I think it’s important to paint the bigger picture and facilitate motivation moments.
Tell us about a woman who inspires you
My mom inspires me everyday. Both of my parents immigrated from Panama and did not know anyone when they moved here. My mom had to learn and re-learn everything: how to drive, find a career and friends, and she now has a great job that gives her joy. She didn’t let any setbacks discourage her.
Favorite quote
“Be better today than you were yesterday.
Be better tomorrow than you were yesterday.”
–Lorenzo Snow
How does this quote apply at Capital One Center?
No day is the same here, and there will always be blunders and opportunities to grow. We may never solve traffic but we want to make it safe and as efficient as possible.
Quote about Emilka from Capital One Center
“Emilka has been a transformative leader for Capital One Center – helping to set the strategy and delivering on results for our traffic and parking management program – a very complex and ever-evolving puzzle. Leaning into her unique knowledge in this space – and building a team that shares her passion, vision, and values – Emilka is a Capital One Center SUPERSTAR for the positive impact she creates for our associates, guests, and broader community.”
–Jonathan Griffith, Managing Director, Capital One Center
More inspirational quotes and women leaders from Capital One Center:
Stacy Butler
General Manager, Capital One Hall
"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice."
All the women in my family have inspired me. I grew up in a strong female household and every woman in my family embodies that ideology.
Tara McNamara
Chief Experience Officer, The Watermark Hotel
"Luxury is not about a price tag; it's about authenticity, passion, and the stories we tell through our craft". Chantal Coady, Founder of Rococo Chocolates
My mother inspired me. Her favorite question "what's your five year plan?" She raised five kids essentially on her own while our father commanded the sea for 27 years; the head of nursing for two major healthcare institutions and created birthing centers in lower income areas; she never forgot where she came from, never let what she endured be a burden or obstacle; she lived her life to the fullest.
Ava Naski
Community Manager, Capital One Center
"I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me" - Maya Angelou
My mother's influence as a women leader was profound and enduring, gaining even greater significance after her passing. The values she instilled, the wisdom and advice she imparted, and the unconditional support she provided will continue to guide and inspire me.
Eleanor Sakhri
Executive Vice President/Group Manager, JLL Property Management
"Women belong in places where decisions are being made"-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader-Ginsburg inspired me. Despite all the obstacles, closed doors and glass ceilings she faced in her career, she never lost sight of her goals and the desire to achieve them. As a result, she left this world inspiring me (and millions of others) to make determination a key factor in one's life pursuits.
Jade Trusso
Founder and Owner, Nothing in Between Studio
“Real queens fix each other's crowns.”
I admire Michelle Sagatov, owner of Gold Group with Washington Fine Properties. As a mother of two and a successful businesswoman, she is consistently ranked as one of the Top Local Realtors by Washingtonian Magazine. But what I admire most about her is her dedication to our community. She actively supports local nonprofits like Doorways in the DMV area and demonstrates a true commitment to giving back.
About Capital One Center
Capital One Center is a 35 acre mixed-use development in the heart of Tysons, VA. Anchored by the headquarters of Capital One, Washington DC's hometown bank, and home to its over 12,000 associates in the region, Capital One Center is quickly transforming the skyline and the cultural landscape of Fairfax County. This 3 million sq. ft. development is a vibrant arts & entertainment destination which includes a large skypark, The Perch—complete with Starr Hill Biergarten, food trucks, and an 18-hole miniature golf course—and a 300-all-suite hotel, The Watermark Hotel, numerous retail and dining options, and most notably a world-class corporate events and performing arts center, Capital One Hall. In 2023 Capital One Park opened doors to a baseball stadium which hosts college, high school, and tournament games.
