Gertrud was born and raised in Helsingør but has lived and worked abroad for many years. Professionally, Gertrud has worked for the United Nations in Colombia, Kenya and Sri Lanka. She has also done extensive field work and research in Bolivia, India, Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia and worked as a trainee consultant for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organizations. Gertrud worked briefly as well with the institute of Geography at Roskilde University. She holds a masters in international development studies and geography from Roskilde University. Her main interests lies within international politics, economic trends and the environmental challenges the world is facing today. Aside from teaching Gertrud loves to read and write, listen to music and occasionally go on trekking and biking trips.