Pettersen was active locally and nationally in professional organizations, as a member of the New Jersey Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects, and in civic organizations, as a member of the Altrusa Club, YWCA, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. She was also involved in various local groups/projects, such as the Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County, Bergen Community College Women’s Institute Advisory Council, and the Uniform Construction Code Advisory Board. Materials relating to these activities primarily include minutes, correspondence, agendas, reports, notes, and printed material.