She returned to Televisa in 1997 and collaborated with the producer Carla Estrada in four consecutive productions. The same year, she appeared as the lead character of "María Isabel", interpreting a young indigenous woman faced with discrimination and lack of opportunities because of her origin. The telenovela presented the iconography of the tribe Huichol, based on indigenous folk beliefs and traditional symbols, and dealt with racial, cultural and class themes. For her characterization of the lead female character, Noriega received TVyNovelas Award for "Best Young Actress in a Leading Role".