DeKALB | Three years after her brother nearly made “The Apprentice,” Nicole D’Ambrosio has redeemed him.

The 2003 NIU business alumna is one of 18 in Donald Trump’s sixth season of the competitive NBC show.

Although she was accepted at many colleges, D’Ambrosio chose to come to NIU primarily because of her brother Jim, who is also an NIU alumnus. He liked NIU’s proximity to Chicago, its cultural experience and because it was close to home.

Known as “the Dreamer” on the show, D’Ambrosio completely supported herself through college, working at both Molly’s Eatery and Kishwaukee Country Club for three years. She since founded the Commercial Real Estate Corporation in Chicago. She also manages a portfolio of properties valued at over $1 million. Her future plans include an autobiography, as well as possibly touring with her brother, doing speaking engagements.

Three years ago, D’Ambrosio’s brother nearly made it onto “The Apprentice.” After completing interviews and beating thousands of hopefuls, he was cut just before filming began.

Unlike many contestants, including her brother, D’Ambrosio didn’t go through the traditional casting system. Instead, with her brother’s help, she submitted a tape to “The Apprentice” and was instantly accepted.

“It’s been a fun journey so far,” Jim D’Ambrosio said. “She loved meeting Donald. He’s one of her idols.”

D’Ambrosio hopes to finish this adventure with a job working for Trump.

“I have the education, real estate experience and an undying will to succeed at everything I do,” she said in an NIU press release.