When QMK Enterprise opened its doors in April 2024 as a new venue space, owners Kathy Cole, Dr. Quenika Boston and Melissa Wade had no idea that they’d soon be playing a role in the upcoming presidential election.
At least for this month, QMK Enterprise hasn’t been and won’t be hosting local businesses for corporate workshops, training or events. Instead, the venue, located at 4333 NW 7th Ave. in Liberty City, is serving as an official campaign office for the presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Cole, who goes by “Special K,” had already been volunteering for the Harris-Walz campaign in Fort Lauderdale when she got in touch with a campaign adviser. She mentioned the recent opening of her brand new business, and it immediately sparked the campaign’s interest.
Kathy Cole, also known as “Special K,” campaigns for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Now and ever since the grand opening of the campaign office at QMK Enterprise, which occurred just one month out from Election Day, Cole has been working with phone bankers day in and day out – right from her own familiar stomping grounds.
Meanwhile, Boston and Wade have been handling the venue’s logistics.
QMK Enterprise is Black-owned and woman-owned. It is also family-owned and LGBTQ-owned; Boston is Cole’s daughter, and she’s married to Wade.
The team joins California Sen. Laphonza Butler during a visit to the Harris-Walz campaign office in Liberty City.
“We really want to impact our community, really promote inclusion, equality, diversity, especially in a Black-owned, woman-owned business,” said Boston. “We think that being a part of this, especially with Kamala Harris leading the Democratic ticket – she is a trailblazer, and we are excited to be a part of that process.”
California Sen. Laphonza Butler speaks to a crowd of local Kamala Harris supporters at QMK Enterprise Oct. 17.
Just last week on Thursday, California Sen. Laphonza Butler visited the campaign office in Liberty City to show support for Harris and the team. Butler is the first Black lesbian to openly serve in Congress in American history and the second Black woman to represent California, following Harris herself.
“We are hoping that this collaboration will inspire the community to get more involved,” said Boston. “We’re looking to mobilize our Black voters in Miami-Dade County, particularly in Liberty City. We’re hoping that our space will bring people together, now more than ever.”
The campaign office at QMK Enterprise is open Monday-Saturday from 12:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For questions, call 786-412-5150.
