Brewer made history in 2012 when she replaced Brian Cornwell as president and CEO of Sam’s Club. Brewer is the first woman and the first African-American to hold a CEO position at one of Wal-Mart’s business units. The Spelman College graduate started with the big box chain in 2006 as a scientist. Less than 10 years later, she manages the company’s more than $56 billion annual revenue.