Jia Dorene Perkins was born on February 23, 1982 in Newburgh, New York. She is the daughter of Johnny and Debra Perkins. She has one older brother, Jasmin.

High School
Jia attended Granbury High School. Her high school coach was Leta Andrews.

College
Jia attended Texas Tech University, where she averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 115 games. For her career, she is ranked fourth in scoring (1,768), second in steals (305) and seventh in assists (376).

WNBA
Jia was selected by Charlotte in the third round (35th overall) of the 2004 WNBA Draft on April 17, 2004. She was selected by Chicago in the WNBA Expansion Draft, on November 16, 2005.

AWBL
Jia spent the 2004-05 offseason playing for the NWBL's Dallas Fury.

Personal
Jia gave birth to a daughter, Aalirah, on June 4, 2004. Her father played professional football for the New York Giants.