OUR TEAM - Sunset Connect

THE SUNSET CONNECT TEAM

A successful organization starts with the right team.

Every great movement starts with a strong foundation, and ours begins with people. Co-founded by Esther and Jason, Sunset Connect was built on the belief that community and connection fuel opportunity. With the support of talented contributors, our team continues to grow alongside our vision. After hosting over a dozen dynamic events and sparking countless meaningful business connections, we’re only getting started. As we expand across South Florida and beyond, so will our team – driven by passion, purpose, and a whole lot of hustle.

Jason Gonzalez & Esther Deutsch

Esther Deutsch believes that connection is the catalyst for change. A lifelong community-builder and strategic thinker, she is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow—together. Her work lives at the intersection of purpose and impact, blending business insight with a deep commitment to people and progress.

Esther has spent more than ten years leading corporate and nonprofit events – including fundraising dinners, walkathons, tech workshops, virtual roundtables, and international mission trips with Society of Women Coders – and now brings that expertise to her latest venture, Sunset Connect: a curated event series designed to foster meaningful connection through shared experiences. She also co-hosts *In This Together Roundtable*, a virtual event for entrepreneurs to grow through community.

As a Senior Enterprise Account Manager at Visa, she partners with clients to deliver innovative payment solutions that fuel growth, efficiency, and stronger customer engagement. Just my new role. A published author, educator, and DE\&I advocate, Esther is committed to championing inclusive innovation in the tech space. Whether she’s mentoring emerging leaders, advising startups, or volunteering her time, Esther shows up with heart, hustle, and the belief that we rise by lifting others.

Co-Founder

Jason Gonzalez is a natural connector with a passion for building relationships that lead to meaningful opportunities. With over two decades of experience in sales and team leadership, Jason currently serves as a Senior Security Consultant at DGA Security Systems, where he continues to thrive by pairing trusted expertise with a people-first approach.

Before moving to South Florida in 2021, Jason was deeply involved in New York City’s professional scene, organizing community meetups and networking events that brought together professionals from across industries. His ability to create engaging, value-driven gatherings quickly made him a go-to figure for those looking to expand their circles and collaborate on big ideas. That same energy now fuels his work with Sunset Connect, where he co-founded the platform to continue building authentic community connections- this time under the Florida sun.

Known for his genuine approach and ability to spark powerful partnerships, Jason is also committed to supporting local causes and giving back through both service and sponsorship. Whether it’s championing a small business, introducing the right people at the right time, or simply showing up to support his community, Jason brings intention, experience, and heart to everything he does.

Co-Founder

Jacob Horwitz brings a heart for community and a mind for logistics to Sunset Connect. With a background in operations and a proven track record in scaling fulfillment systems and backend infrastructure, he ensures every detail behind the scenes runs with precision. His passion for creating inclusive, well-run experiences shows in his thoughtful approach to building spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected.

Whether it’s managing vendor coordination, streamlining event workflows, or helping ideas move from vision to reality, Jacob is the calm, steady hand that helps power Sunset Connect’s magic. He believes that community thrives not just on good vibes, but on thoughtful systems – and he brings both.

When he’s not making sure things get from Point A to Point B, you can find him exploring new places, connecting with local changemakers, or finding creative ways to make logistics feel like an art form.

Head of Operations and Logistics

Peter C. Leighton is a seasoned relationship-builder with more than 25 years of experience in business development, marketing, and client engagement—particularly in the senior care and professional services space. As Client Relationships Specialist at PLR CPAs, he helps drive strategic growth through thoughtful partnerships and personalized service. Pete is well-regarded in South Florida for his work with elder care organizations and has served in various leadership roles with BNI, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Broward County Guardianship Association.

A passionate advocate for local business and aging-in-place initiatives, Pete has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and executives in relationship marketing and continues to champion community-forward solutions. With degrees in psychology and higher education leadership, plus certifications in healthcare instruction and mediation, Pete blends insight and empathy in every role he takes on.