Janay Sylvester

Climbing Vines Janay Sylvester

In 2012, University of Pennsylvania graduate Janay Sylvester sparked an idea to amplify discussion around the experiences of black undergraduate women at the school. This is how Climbing Vines came to be. Climbing Vines: A Collection of Short Stories chronicles the real narratives of 19 accomplished, dynamic black women who currently attend or have attended the University of Pennsylvania. Expanding on topics from self-love to sisterhood, these heartfelt stories detail challenges, personal growth, and the shared experiences of these women as undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania. The collection is meant for all audiences, however the hope is that through reading these stories and inspired dialogue among students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members, the informative piece will guide and positively influence black undergraduate women as they navigate their first years at predominantly white institutions (PWIs).