Born in Grindu, Petre is a graduate of the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest.
In 1975-1983, she worked as an economist for the Ialomiţa County Council, moving on to a similar position for a construction enterprise in the area.
in 1986, she became a director at the County Council, in which capacity she served until after the Romanian Revolution of 1989.
In 1990, Petre became a director for the Ialomiţa Prefecture representing the National Salvation Front (FSN), and its vice president in 1992-2000.
She followed the FSN wing led by Petre Roman into their split, and became a member of the newly formed PD.