This study examines how traditional gender stereotypes influence entrepreneurial intention among Mexican high school students by exploring the mediating role of four soft skills: creativity, proactivity, risk aversion, and internal locus of control. A survey was administered to 645 students using adapted, validated scales. Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the measures’ reliability and structure, and a PLS-SEM model tested the proposed hypotheses. Results indicate that egalitarian beliefs correlate with lower risk aversion and a stronger internal locus of control, while exclusionary beliefs show the opposite pattern. All four skills significantly predicted entrepreneurial intention, with risk aversion unexpectedly exhibiting a positive effect. Significant indirect effects further support the mediating function of these soft skills. These findings offer valuable insights for designing equity-oriented entrepreneurial education programs.