It supports the idea that women can be very determined.
Explanation:
Gertrude was "unable to obtain a graduate research position because was a woman", but that didn't deter her from persevering through life and receiving her degrees and the needed materials to become who she is now. Throughout everything, she and as it can absolutely be proven, that women can be very determined if they put their minds to it and are focused on what their goal/dream is.
