Reinforcing bars or a reinforcing element with holes can be embedded within the shell of a receptacle connector to strengthen the shell, and potentially provide shielding. For example, a receptacle connector having a plurality of contacts configured to mate with corresponding contacts of a corresponding plug connector can include a shell having an opening for receiving the corresponding plug connector. The shell can include an upper portion and reinforcing bars embedded within the upper portion. The shell can include an upper portion and a reinforcing element with holes embedded within the upper portion. Methods for manufacturing the shell are also provided.